Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Wednesday underscored the importance of collective decision-making in the Supreme Court, asserting that the apex court should never be a “chief justice-centric court”. He emphasized that the Chief Justice is merely “the first among equals” and that all judges and members of the bar are integral to the functioning of the judiciary.
Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Gavai reaffirmed his commitment to democratic functioning within the judiciary. “Whatever decisions we take are the decisions of the full court,” he said, highlighting a collegial approach to administration and jurisprudence.
Recounting the recent success of the court during its summer period, the CJI noted that the top court, which declared summer vacations as “partial court working days” this year, achieved a record number of case disposals between May 26 and July 11 — the highest in several years. He credited this achievement to the cooperation between the bench and the bar.
Reiterating the vital role of lawyers, Justice Gavai said, “I have always considered the bar and the bench to be equal stakeholders in the institution of administration of justice. They are like two wheels of a golden chariot.”
Reflecting on his tenure as a judge in the Bombay High Court, the CJI shared that he had taken steps to include representatives of the bar in infrastructure planning processes. This ensured that the facilities met the needs of lawyers, litigants, and specially-abled individuals.
In his concluding remarks, Justice Gavai assured the legal fraternity that while he could not make promises, all concerns raised by the bar would be addressed positively, reinforcing his vision of inclusive and transparent judicial governance.
The event was also attended by Attorney General R. Venkataramani and SCBA President Vikas Singh, who commended the CJI for his open and collaborative approach.
