Nagpur Played a Crucial Role in My Journey to Chief Justice: CJI B.R. Gavai

Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai Felicitated at Nagpur District Court

Nagpur : Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai expressed deep emotional ties with Nagpur, highlighting its vital role in shaping his legal and judicial career. Reminiscing about his early years, he recalled visiting Dikshabhoomi with his parents every year on Dhammachakra Pravartan Day and how practicing at the Nagpur District and Sessions Court, the District Bar Association, and the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court enriched his professional life.

The Nagpur District Bar Association organized a felicitation ceremony in honor of CJI Bhushan Gavai at the District and Sessions Court. Present at the event were his mother Kamaltai Gavai, wife Dr. Tejaswini Gavai, Supreme Court Justices Dipankar Datta, Prasanna Varale, and Atul Chandurkar; Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe, Administrative Judge of the Nagpur Bench Justice Nitin Sambre, senior judge Justice Anil Kilor, Justice Abhay Mantri, and Principal District Judge Dinesh Surana.

“Vidarbha’s Forests to Supreme Bench: A Fulfilling Journey”

Speaking at the event, Chief Justice Gavai noted that the Nagpur court system has produced exceptional lawyers and judges. He commended the District Bar Association for its constructive role and the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court for its contribution to public interest litigation.

He shared his satisfaction in resolving issues related to forest dwellers in Vidarbha upon assuming office as Chief Justice, thereby delivering justice to poor and marginalized farmers. He emphasized the Constitution’s values of equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity, as drafted under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s leadership, saying the judiciary protects the rights of ordinary citizens guided by these principles.

CJI Gavai recalled the Supreme Court’s intervention in 2001—when it stayed eviction of slum dwellers under a Nagpur High Court order—saving thousands of people from homelessness. He also highlighted his role in advocating for the establishment of the National Law University in Nagpur.

With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, he expressed gratitude to all who supported him directly or indirectly throughout his journey. He spoke openly about the twists and turns in his legal path, providing insights from his decades-long career.

Eminent Judges Praise CJI Gavai’s Work

Justices Atul Chandurkar, Prasanna Varale, Dipankar Datta, Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, and Principal District Judge Dinesh Surana praised Justice Gavai’s multifaceted personality and accomplishments, underlining his contribution to the judiciary.

On behalf of the Nagpur District Bar Association and other legal associations from Vidarbha, Justice Gavai was formally felicitated. Association President Adv. Roshan Bagde delivered the welcome address, and Secretary Manish Randive proposed the vote of thanks.

Launch of Constitution Preamble Display and Digital Library

Earlier in the day, CJI Gavai unveiled a portrait of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the new annex of the District and Sessions Court. He also inaugurated trilingual displays of the Constitution’s Preamble in the court premises and launched the court’s digital library through an online ceremony.