'All Wings Of Democracy For Welfare Of Citizens, Can't Work In Isolation': CJI Gavai

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 23:36 IST

CJI Gavai laid the foundation stone for a new Bombay High Court complex in suburban Bandra (East), expressing confidence that it will be a "temple of justice".

CJI Gavai laying the foundation stone of a new Bombay HC complex with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. (CMO Maharashtra)

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Wednesday said that all three wings of democracy – executive, judiciary and legislature – exist for the welfare of citizens and cannot work in isolation.

CJI Gavai laid the foundation stone for a new Bombay High Court complex in suburban Bandra (East) and expressed confidence that the upcoming building will be a “temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel".

In the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and two deputy Chief Ministers – Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, the CJI said, “I would like to say that judges are no more feudal lords. Be it a judge of the High Court or Supreme Court, or any person in the Executive, Judiciary or Legislature, we all exist only to serve the citizens."

The proposed High Court complex at Bandra is expected to consolidate the judicial and administrative functions of the Bombay High Court, which has long been operating from its heritage building at Fort.

‘Judiciary Doesn’t Have Power Of Words’

Earlier, while speaking at an event in the Maharashtra National Law University’s (MNLU) campus in Mumbai, Gavai said the principles of liberty, justice and equality are embodied in the Constitution.

“The judiciary has neither the power of the sword nor the power of words. Unless the executive is on board, it is difficult for the judiciary to provide adequate infrastructure to the judiciary as well as legal education," he added.

He also lauded the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for being proactive when it comes to providing infrastructure for the judiciary. He also invoked BR Ambedkar, saying that a lawyer is also a social engineer who brings the promise of social justice into reality.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis also addressed the event, saying CJI Gavai has been supportive of the creation of three national law universities in Maharashtra. “I am sure that very soon the MNLU will be recognised as an international university," he said.

The CJI, who assumed office on May 14, 2025, said this was his last visit to Maharashtra before demitting the top judicial post on November 24, and noted he was satisfied with the judicial infrastructure in his home state.

“Earlier, I was reluctant to be part of this event. But now I am experiencing gratitude that, as a judge who once discharged his duties in the Bombay High Court, I am ending my tenure by laying the foundation stone of the best court building in the entire country," he said.

(with inputs from PTI)

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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