Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Friday gave a strong message about the limits of judicial power. Speaking at a felicitation event organised by the District Bar Association (DBA), Nagpur, CJI Gavai said, “Judicial activism should not be permitted to be converted into judicial adventurism and judicial terrorism.” The event was held at Nyay Mandir in Civil Lines, where several Supreme Court and High Court judges, along with members of the legal fraternity, were present. CJI Gavai shared thoughts from his speech earlier delivered at Oxford University, stating that judicial activism is important. “Judicial activism is here to stay. It is necessary for upholding the Constitution and the rights of citizens,” he said. However, he cautioned that the Constitution defines clear boundaries for the legislature, executive and judiciary. “It is the duty of Parliament and State Legislatures to make Contd from page 1 laws. The executive has to work as per the Constitution. Judiciary should step in only when laws exceed constitutional limits,” he said.

 

He further added, “If the judiciary enters every domain of the executive and legislature, then judicial activism becomes judicial adventurism and even judicial terrorism.” CJI Gavai’s mother Kamaltai Gavai and wife Dr Tejaswini Gavai were also present on the dais. The programme was presided over by Justice Dipankar Datta, Judge of the Supreme Court. Other dignitaries included Justices Prasanna Varale, Atul Chandurkar, Alok Aradhye (Chief Justice of Bombay High Court), Nitin Sambre, Abhay Mantri, Dinesh Surana (Principal District and Sessions Judge, Nagpur), and DBA office-bearers Adv Roshan Bagde and Adv Manish Randive. Justice Gavai grew emotional while recalling his days as a lawyer, government pleader, and High Court judge in Nagpur. He remembered a case in 2001 when the High Court ordered the demolition of slums in the city within eight days. “If not done, the Collector would have been held guilty for contempt,” he said.

 

As Government Pleader then, Gavai helped the State file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, which stayed the order and saved homes of lakhs of poor people. CJI Gavai also spoke about Dr B R Ambedkar, the Constitution and the values it stands for. “I have reached where I am today because of the Constitution and Babasaheb’s thoughts,” he said. He proudly recalled installing Babasaheb’s statue in the Supreme Court premises and said it inspires him every day. He appreciated Nagpur’s legal legacy, mentioning Justice Hidayatullah, Bhaiyyasaheb alias M R Bobde, Bhausaheb Bobde, Sharad Bobde, and V R Manohar, calling them “legal scholars given by Nagpur to the nation.” Justice Gavai also highlighted the importance of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed from Nagpur and how they contributed to protecting fundamental rights. He said, “PILs were used here for real development, not for publicity.” CJI Gavai is a blend of humanity, judicial excellence: Justice Dutta Justice Dipankar Datta, Supreme Court Judge, delivered a heartfelt speech on the elevation of Justice Bhushan Gavai as CJI. He began by saying,

 

“This is the third function I am attending in honour of CJI Gavai, and each time I speak after him, I feel the pressure to match his words and journey.” Recalling personal memories and conversations, Justice Datta shared how Justice Gavai was raised in a socially and politically progressive family. “His father was a respected politician and social reformer who taught him – ‘Under no circumstances should you harm the deserving’,” he quoted. He praised Gavai’s leadership and compassion from a young age. “He would personally ensure everyone who came to their home for help was cared for,” he said. Datta admired Justice Gavai’s humility, recalling how “He never sought recognition, yet always worked sincerely for others.” Ending with admiration, he said, “Justice Gavai is not only a great judge but a wonderful human being. His leadership will take the judiciary to new heights with fairness and dedication.” Justice Varale calls CJI Gavai ‘Bhumiputra’ Justice Prasanna Varale warmly praised CJI Bhushan Gavai and called him the ‘Bhumiputra’ of Nagpur.

 

“There is a deep and old bond between him and this land,” he said. Recalling history, Justice Varale added, “When Babasaheb gave the Constitution, he also led a bloodless revolution by embracing Buddhism.” He shared that such historic moments must be preserved for future generations. “Everyone welcomed the choice of Gavai as CJI. People came from all corners,” he said. Justice Varale also praised Gavai’s constant focus on values. “He has always insisted on human values and justice,” he concluded. CJI Gavai is role model for judges: Justice Aradhye Justice Alok Aradhye praised CJI Gavai and called him a role model for judges. “His humility serves as an example for the judiciary,” he said. Justice Aradhye underlined CJI Gavai’s strong judgments in public interest cases. “From tiger corridor protection to bulldozer justice, his judgments are remarkable,” he added. He appreciated the District Bar Association for organising the event and said,

 

“This is a commendable initiative.y remembering Dr B R Ambedkar’s contribution to justice, saying, “Babasaheb’s vision has inspired global justice. Thank you for keeping that spirit alive.” Leadership takes everyone forward together: Justice Chandurkar Justice Atul Chandurkar said it was a proud moment for Nagpur and the country that someone like Justice Bhushan Gavai has become the CJI. “It is a great achievement, and I am proud to share this moment,” he said. “This DBA, formed in 1876, has helped many members grow and succeed. It has produced respected figures in society,” he noted. Justice Chandurkar said it was special that CJI Gavai continues to be a member of this very association. “It shows the deep bond between the Chief Justice and the district court,” he said. He also highlighted the progress made in infrastructure, like the new court building and welfare initiatives for bar members.

 

“This is a result of leadership that takes everyone forward, together,” he concluded. Justice is the soul of Constituion: Judge Surana Dinesh Surana, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Nagpur, praised CJI Gavai’s elevation as a proud moment for the judiciary. “This reflects the strength of our democratic and constitutional values,” he said. He appreciated CJI Gavai’s compassionate decisions and commitment to inclusivity. “His Lordship’s judgments reflect deep constitutional insight and a strong sense of justice,” Surana added. “In honoring the CJI Gavai, we are also celebrating the spirit of our judiciary,” he said. Referring to Dr B R Ambedkar, he added, “Justice is the soul of the Constitution. It continues to be one of its guiding principles.” Adv Nisha Manikpure compared the programme.

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