Fadnavis hails Justice B.R. Gavai’s legacy

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday paid tribute to Supreme Court judge Justice B.R. Gavai, saying the jurist’s name “will be remembered in judicial history” for his efforts to strengthen India’s justice delivery system and make the courts more accessible to marginalized communities.

From humble roots to the higher judiciary

Speaking at an event in Mumbai attended by legal luminaries and public officials, Fadnavis highlighted Justice Gavai’s rise from a modest background in Amravati district to one of the country’s most respected judicial benches. The Chief Minister said Gavai’s judgments and administrative initiatives had consistently reinforced constitutional values and expanded access to justice.

“He has shown that integrity, empathy and rigorous legal reasoning can widen the reach of our judicial institutions,” Fadnavis said, adding that the judge’s career offered a model for young lawyers and judicial officers.

Legal fraternity underscores reform and empathy

Members of the legal community at the event praised Justice Gavai’s record on landmark rulings and procedural reforms. Senior advocates and retired judges noted his emphasis on transparency, expedited case management, and steps toward digitisation — measures they said helped reduce pendency and made courts less intimidating for ordinary citizens.

“Justice Gavai’s approach has often given voice to the marginalized,” a senior advocate said. “Beyond judgments, his work on court administration and outreach will remain an important part of his legacy.”

Focus on access to justice

Speakers recalled instances where Justice Gavai pushed for procedural simplification and for legal processes that considered the socio-economic realities of litigants. Several tributes noted his attention to cases affecting underprivileged groups and his insistence that the judicial system be responsive and humane.

A retired High Court judge present at the programme emphasised Gavai’s role in modernising court practices. “He has combined scholarship with a practical concern for delivering justice — that balance is rare,” the judge said.

A recent unfortunate attack* *on Justice Gavai

A man hurled a slipper at Justice Gavai during a public event in Nagpur, but the object missed and no injury was reported. The attacker was immediately detained, and Justice Gavai stayed composed throughout the incident. He later expressed no personal ill will and urged the public to maintain faith in democratic institutions. Political leaders across party lines condemned the assault, calling it a disgraceful attack on the judiciary’s dignity. The event reaffirmed widespread trust in the judiciary and highlighted Justice Gavai’s calm temperament and dedication to upholding the Constitution.