Justice B.R. Gavai, the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), expressed significant discontent with the Supreme Court’s current state of discipline, calling it the “most undisciplined” courtroom he has ever seen. Justice Gavai’s frustrations are not new, as he raised similar concerns last year.
During his tenure in the high courts of Bombay, Nagpur, and Aurangabad, Justice Gavai noted a stark contrast in the level of discipline compared to the Supreme Court. He described scenes where lawyers are divided and shouting simultaneously, which he never witnessed in the high courts.
“The Supreme Court’s conduct stands in stark contrast to the high courts, where such indiscipline is unseen,” said Justice Gavai. Last year, he expressed annoyance towards lawyers who continuously disrupt proceedings, indicating that such behavior was unbecoming of the highest court in the land.
Justice Gavai is slated to become the CJI in May 2025, following the retirement of the current CJI, Justice Sanjeev Khanna, on May 13, 2025. Justice Khanna took over the role after Justice D.Y. Chandrachud retired in November last year.
This appointment will mark Justice Gavai as the second Dalit CJI, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who retired on May 11, 2010.
