Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday offered a thoughtful speech in his hometown, Amravati, highlighting that the Constitution of India is supreme, not any of the three branches of democracy.
“While many say and believe that Parliament is supreme, according to me, it is the Constitution of India that is supreme. All three wings of the democracy work under the Constitution,’’ he stated during a felicitation program conducted by the Amravati District Bar Association.
Justice Gavia, who took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice last month, used the event to reflect on the judiciary’s constitutional role. “A judge should always remember that we have a duty, and we are custodians of the rights of citizens and constitutional values and principles. We don’t just have power, but a duty is cast upon us,’’ he stated, further adding that judges should not be influenced by public sentiment.
“What people will say cannot become part of our decision-making process,” he mentioned.
CJI highlights on Judges’ responsibility
Commenting on a recent ruling on the Zudpi jungle issue in Maharashtra, the CJI stated, “The right to shelter is supreme,’’ referring to what he had earlier described as a landmark verdict opposing bulldozer justice.
CJI also shared a rare personal anecdote of his life journey from growing up in a modest household to reaching the highest judicial post. He recollected how he wanted to become an architect before choosing law on his father’s insistence.
“My father had wanted to become a lawyer, but was unable to become one, as at the time he was arrested for being part of the freedom movement,’’ he pointed out.
He added that judicial independence is not solely about ruling against the government but staying rooted in constitutional principles. ‘”We have to think independently,’’ he said.
Justice Gavia concluded his speech by thanking his family and seniors who played a major role in supporting him through struggles in his early stage of legal career.