CJI Gavai: Judiciary Exists for Citizens, Not Judges; Bombay HC Complex Should Serve Litigants First
CJI Bhushan Gavai lays foundation stone for new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra, urges restraint and focus on justice over grandeur
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai on Wednesday said the upcoming Bombay High Court complex in Bandra (East) must embody simplicity and constitutional values, not extravagance, stressing that the judiciary exists to serve the people and “judges are no more feudal lords.”
Speaking after laying the foundation stone of the new complex, CJI Gavai urged that the building reflect the democratic spirit of the Constitution rather than imperial grandeur. “Read in some newspapers that the building is extravagant. One lift is provided to be shared by two judges. Judges are no more feudal lords. The judge may be of a high court, a trial court, or the Supreme Court, all institutions work under the Constitution to serve the last citizen of the country,” the CJI said.
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.
He also revealed that he initially hesitated to attend the event but changed his mind upon learning that it was uncertain when another judge from the Bombay High Court would next hold the office of Chief Justice of India.
“When the building is completed, it will be the most iconic structure on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai,” CJI Gavai added.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who attended the ceremony along with Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, said the new complex would complement the historic Bombay High Court building in Fort, which has stood as a symbol of justice since 1862. The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of providing adequate space for government legal officers, stating, “We are the biggest litigants and there should be proper space for our legal teams.” He expressed confidence that the new building would be AI-enabled and completed on time.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar described the foundation stone laying as a “historic moment and a new era in the 150-year history of the Bombay High Court.” He informed that 15 acres of land had already been transferred for the project, and the remaining 15 acres would be handed over by March 2026.
The new complex will cover over 50 lakh square feet and cost more than ₹4,000 crore.