Mumbai: Even as Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai called for closure over the recent protocol row during his visit to Maharashtra, the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG) on Tuesday demanded action against officials responsible for the lapse.
In a statement earlier in the day, the CJI termed the matter “trivial” and said it should not be blown out of proportion. “News items are being published in the media regarding protocol issues during the visit of Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India to Maharashtra. All concerned have already expressed regrets. Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India has expressed that a trivial issue should not be blown out of proportion,” a press note said, urging that the issue be given a “quietus.”
The controversy stems from the CJI’s first visit to Mumbai on May 18 after assuming office, to attend a felicitation event organised by BCMG. During his speech, the CJI expressed displeasure over the absence of the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Mumbai Police Commissioner to receive him at the airport.
Interestingly, later that day, all three officials were seen at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar when the CJI visited the memorial of Dr B R Ambedkar to pay his respects.
In a resolution passed on Tuesday, the BCMG “strongly condemned” the officials’ failure to welcome the CJI. “It is resolved that appropriate action be taken against the erring officers for not paying respect to the Chief Justice of India,” it said. The Council will write to the Maharashtra Chief Minister and the Bombay High Court, seeking action against officials of the High Court’s Registry responsible for the lapse, and has sought a response within a month.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said he personally apologised to the CJI and that CM Devendra Fadnavis had taken note of the issue.
