CJI Gavai cites Indian film “The Lunchbox” during speech at Bhutan, reflects on country's uniqueness
CJI Gavai reflected on how the role of courts, as institutions of justice, must be understood within the larger framework of constitutional mandate
The Chief Justice of India recently spoke at the Fifth Wisdom for Future Talk Series (hosted by the JSW School of Law) at Royal Institute of Management (RIM) on the topic “Courts and Constitutional Governance”.
CJI Gavai referred to the acclaimed Indian film “The Lunchbox” released in 2013, in which Ila, a young homemaker in Mumbai repeatedly expresses her desire to leave behind the noise, chaos, and monotony of city life and move to Bhutan, a land she imagines as peaceful, serene, and truly happy.
"Watching this film prompted me to reflect on what makes Bhutan so unique why its people, and indeed those who dream of it, associate it with contentment, balance, and a deep sense of well-being. This sense of harmony, between the material and the moral, between the individual and the collective, lies at the heart of the shared philosophical inheritance that binds India and Bhutan", CJI added.
Speaking on the relationship share between India and Bhutan, Justice Gavai said it is a relationship beyond borders and centuries, nurtured by a common civilizational spirit, one that finds its most eloquent expression in the teachings of the Lord Buddha.
"The light of Lord Buddha’s wisdom continues to shine as the torchbearer of moral, spiritual, and cultural peace in both our lands often reminding us that compassion is strength, balance is wisdom, and global peace is the highest form of progress that our world can achieve. Our two nations continue to draw strength from this thoughtful spiritual foundation. The relations between India and Bhutan extend beyond geographical and spiritual domain. They are founded on mutual trust, goodwill, and a shared vision of progress", he added.
On the partnership that spans trade, economic cooperation, energy, education, culture, and technology, the Supreme Court judge said the India–Bhutan partnership thrives in education, technology, and cultural exchange, further strengthened by robust people-to-people connections, with over 50,000 Indian citizens contributing their expertise in Bhutan, reflecting the deep interdependence, trust, and friendship that define our enduring partnership across every domain of national life.
"Every visit to this country reminds the world that true progress lies in harmony: harmony between human aspiration and nature’s rhythm, between tradition and modernity", CJI said.
Justice Gavai also called for growth in the cooperation and friendship between the judiciaries of India and Bhutan in strength and spirit. "We share not only a geographical neighbourhood but also a deep commitment to constitutional values, justice, and human dignity. We are, and will continue to be, there for each other: as partners in the pursuit of a fair and compassionate world", he added.
The event was also attended by Her Royal Highness, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, who serves as Hon’ble President, JSW School of Law, His Excellency Norbu Tshering, the Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Bhutan. Mr. Sangay Dorjee, the Founding Dean of the JSW School of Law, and Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court of Bhutan were also in attendance.