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Former Chief Justice of the country BR Gavai retired on Sunday. In his place, Justice Surya Kant has become the Chief Justice of India. But, with his retirement, Justice Gavai set a new example, which is a big step towards strengthening public trust in the judiciary. In fact, on Monday, Justice Gavai’s successor Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as CJI. On this occasion, a grand program was organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this, Justice Gavai reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in his official vehicle but after the function was over, he returned in his private vehicle and reached his residence.
He did not use the government vehicle while returning. Rather, he left his car for his successor CJI Surya Kant. His step is being appreciated a lot. This is a symbolic thing but the message behind it is very important. In fact, questions are being raised on the credibility of the judiciary for some time. A few months ago, there was news of former CJI DY Chandrachud living in the residence allotted for the CJI even after his retirement. However, Chandrachud said that his daughters were handicapped and were staying at home in an ICU-like setup. Due to this there was delay in vacating the bungalow.
Important decision given on Thursday
Justice Gavai comes from Dalit community. He is the second Dalit judge to become Chief Justice. Justice Gavai, who heard the case in the Supreme Court for the last time as a judge on Friday, had said on Sunday that the Supreme Court’s decision to end the system of time limits for Governors and the President for approval of the Bills is a balanced decision, because the Constitution does not allow it, but even the Governor cannot keep the Bills indefinitely. Speaking to media persons at his official residence, Justice Gavai said that the Constitution is based on the principle of separation of powers and where there is no time limit mentioned, the court cannot set a time limit on its own. Justice Gavai retired on 23 November (Sunday). He said that we have not only removed the time limit, but have also balanced it by saying that the Governor cannot stall the bills indefinitely.
When the President sought advice on this subject, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by former Chief Justice BR Gavai, in its unanimous opinion on November 20, had said that the option of limited judicial review of indefinite delay by Governors would remain open. Justice Gavai declined to comment on the Yashwant Verma case and said the issue was currently before a parliamentary committee.
