'Constitution Is Supreme, All Three Wings Of Democracy Work Under It': CJI BR Gavai

Last Updated:June 26, 2025, 09:15 IST

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said that the Constitution of India is the supreme authority, not Parliament or any other democratic wing.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai (Photo: PTI)

The Constitution of India is supreme, and all three wings of our democracy work under the Constitution, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Wednesday, in reference to general discussions on the supremacy of the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

“While many say and believe that Parliament is supreme, according to me, it is the Constitution of India that is supreme. All three wings of the democracy work under the Constitution," he said while speaking at his felicitation in Maharashtra’s Amravati.

The CJI also referred to a judgment passed by the Supreme Court on the foundation of the ‘basic structure’ doctrine and said Parliament has the power to amend, but it can not alter the basic structure of the Constitution.

A judge does not become independent just by passing orders against the government, he added.

“A judge should always remember that we have a duty, and we are custodians of the rights of citizens and constitutional values and principles. We don’t just have power, but a duty is cast upon us," CJI Gavai said.

A judge should not be guided by what people will say or feel about their judgment, he said.

“We have to think independently. What people will say cannot become a part of our decision-making process," the Chief Justice said.

He also asserted that he always let his judgments and work speak, and always stood by the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Also referring to his judgment against “bulldozer justice", he said the right to shelter is supreme.

CJI Gavai also reminisced about his childhood days on this occasion. While he wanted to be an architect, his father wished that he become a lawyer, he said.

“My father had wanted to become a lawyer but was unable to become one, as at the time he was arrested for being part of the freedom movement," Gavai said.

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Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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