Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday praised Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, stating that his name will be remembered in judicial history for “strengthening the justice delivery system”, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking at the book release ceremony of ‘The Great Legal Luminary Dr BR Ambedkar’ in Ratnagiri, Fadnavis highlighted the significant changes in the judicial framework under CJI Gavai’s guidance.
“These days, we can see that a lot of changes have taken place in the judicial system. Talking about the Bombay High Court, hearings are now being live-streamed, and videos of several cases are available on YouTube. This has made valuable information more accessible to the public. Continuous efforts are being made to further accelerate and enhance such systems. Justice Gavai’s name will be remembered in judicial history for his immense contribution in bridging gaps that existed within the justice system,” the Maharashtra CM said.
He also appreciated the CJI’s efforts in improving infrastructure, addressing manpower issues, and filling vacancies of judges, reported ANI.
“Whether it is infrastructure, manpower, or filling vacancies of judges, the pace at which progress has been made under his guidance is remarkable. That is why his name will be etched in history,” the CM added.
Earlier in the day, both CJI Gavai and CM Fadnavis attended the book release event.
During his address, the CJI emphasised that the Constitution drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar serves as the foundation of India’s unity, integrity, and democratic strength.
“I want to say that the Constitution given to us by Babasaheb Ambedkar is the very foundation on which our nation functions today. It is because of Babasaheb’s Constitution that we see India progressing on the path of development. Our nation remains united, whether in times of war or peace, and even during internal emergencies, the country has remained intact,” CJI Gavai said.
He also compared India’s Constitution with those of neighbouring countries, asserting that the country’s judicial infrastructure ensures justice reaches the doorstep of litigants, ANI reported.
“When we compare ourselves with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, the difference in their situations and ours is, in my view, due to the strength of the Indian Constitution. As Babasaheb Ambedkar rightly said, until social and economic democracy is achieved in this country, political democracy has no real meaning,” he said.
Justice Gavai added that India’s ongoing efforts to expand judicial infrastructure and decentralise access to justice reflect Ambedkar’s vision of equality.
“The way we are building judicial infrastructure today ensures that justice reaches the doorsteps of litigants. That is why we believe in decentralisation and are establishing judicial infrastructure across all regions,” CJI Gavai said.
(With ANI inputs)