CJI Gavai's home truths give his tenure an impactful beginning despite its brevity

He has dared to confront issues that have long been brushed under the carpet

- BY K RAVEENDRAN

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai has taken over the reins of the Supreme Court with a kind of moral clarity and institutional courage that is rarely seen, especially in what is to be a short tenure.

In his limited time at the helm, he has managed not only to make his presence felt but to shape a discourse that could potentially alter the perception and functioning of the judiciary for the better.

His stewardship has come as a breath of fresh air in an institution often weighed down by internal silences, deference to executive power, and a creeping erosion of public trust. In this brief period, Justice Gavai has chosen to confront issues that have long been brushed under the carpet—particularly the rot that sets in when judges, post-retirement, are seen to negotiate their way into positions of power that are dependent on the political executive. He has made it clear that the legitimacy of the judiciary lies in its self-scrutiny and the constitutional principles it upholds, not in the insulation it often cloaks itself in to avoid uncomfortable truths.

What is striking about Justice Gavai’s early pronouncements is their unflinching adherence to constitutional supremacy. In an era where political expediency often dictates institutional behaviour, he has reaffirmed that the Constitution is not merely a document of convenience but a guiding force that must shape every aspect of governance. This is more than just a ceremonial nod to democratic values—it is an active assertion of the judiciary’s responsibility to act as the constitutional conscience of the republic. His emphasis on this foundational document is particularly crucial at a time when institutions are being tested for their resilience, independence, and moral fibre.