Judiciary, Legislature and Executive Must Work Together for Citizens’ Welfare: CJI BR Gavai

Speaking at the project initiation ceremony of Maharashtra National Law University’s (MNLU) new campus in Mumbai, CJI Gavai said the Constitution embodies the principles of liberty, justice and equality, and these must guide every democratic institution.

“The judiciary has neither the power of the sword nor the power of the purse. Unless the executive is on board, it is difficult for the judiciary to ensure adequate infrastructure for the courts as well as legal education,” the CJI said, stressing the importance of cooperation between institutions.

He rejected criticism that the Maharashtra government had lagged in providing judicial infrastructure, calling it an “incorrect perception”, and lauded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for being proactive. “The infrastructure provided to the judiciary in Maharashtra is one of the best,” he remarked.

CJI Gavai also observed that legal education in India has evolved, shifting toward practical, skill-based learning. “The infrastructure we are providing today is comparable to the best universities in the world,” he said, adding that law remains an “evolving and organic branch.”

Later in the day, CJI Gavai laid the foundation stone for the new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra (East), describing it as a “temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel.” He emphasised that court buildings should reflect democratic values rather than imperial grandeur.

The CJI underscored that the new structure should balance functionality with dignity, serving not only judges but also litigants. “While planning court buildings, we concentrate on the needs of judges, but should not forget we exist for the citizens, the litigants,” he remarked, adding emphatically, “This building should be a temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel.”

CJI Gavai, who assumed office on May 14, 2025, and is set to demit office on November 24, said this would be his last visit to Maharashtra as Chief Justice of India. “Earlier, I was reluctant to be part of this event. But now I am experiencing gratitude that, as a judge who once discharged his duties in the Bombay High Court, I am ending my tenure by laying the foundation stone of the best court building in the country,” he said.

Calling the event “a momentous moment and a milestone in the history of the Bombay High Court,” CJI Gavai said the judiciary, legislature, and executive must work in harmony under the Constitution to ensure justice to every citizen.

The Chief Justice also expressed optimism about the state’s judicial infrastructure, countering criticism that Maharashtra lags behind in this regard. “During my tenure, I have laid the foundation or inaugurated several court buildings in Maharashtra. The judiciary here is progressing well,” he said.