'Don't blow out of proportion, all concerned have expressed regret': CJI Gavai on Maharashtra Protocol issue

The Chief Justice of India has requested that a quietus be given to the protocol issues during his recent visit to Maharashtra.

"News items are being published in the media regarding protocol issues during the visit of Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India to Maharashtra. All concerned have already expressed regrets. Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India has expressed that a trivial issue should not be blown out of proportion", a press note released by the Supreme Court states.

Recently, CJI Gavai had expressed his displeasure over a protocol lapse during his first visit to Maharashtra after being elevated. "If the Chief Secretary of the state, DGP or Mumbai police commissioner does not want to come there, when the CJI, who is from Maharashtra, has arrived for the first time, it's up to them to think about whether it is right or not," CJI Gavai had said.

Gavai, who took oath as CJI on May 14, said that while he does not want to get into such minor matters, he felt the need to mention the same so that people know about it. "If in my place there was someone else, then the provisions of Article 142 would be considered," Gavai had added.

Speaking at a felicitation programme organised by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, Gavai had pointed to the absence of the state's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police or the city police commissioner to receive him.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also echoed the remarks made by Chief Justice of India on protocol, stating that adherence to protocol is "fundamental" and must be respected across institutions.