Opposition leaders have condemned the Maharashtra government’s failure to ensure the presence of senior state officials at a felicitation event for Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai. On his first visit to his home state after assuming office on May 14, the CJI expressed his disappointment during the event held in Mumbai on Sunday.
Speaking at the felicitation program organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, CJI Gavai said, “We say that there are three pillars of democracy — the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive — and that they are equal. Every organ of the Constitution must reciprocate and give due respect to the other organs. A person from Maharashtra is coming to the state as Chief Justice of India for the first time. If Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary, the state’s Director General of Police, or the Mumbai Commissioner of Police do not feel it necessary to come, it is for them to think about.”
Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Nana Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, criticized the state government, alleging that the incident reflects a deliberate attempt to insult CJI Gavai, who is known for his Ambedkarite ideology.
Nana Patole accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of disrespecting Maharashtra’s pride. Speaking to the media, Patole said, “CJI Bhushan Gavai, who is a proud son of Maharashtra, deserves respect. The government and its officials have violated the protocol meant for the Chief Justice, which is unacceptable to the state and the country. Will the government take action against the officials responsible for this disrespect?”
He further questioned the government’s stance, stating, “The protocol for dignitaries like the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India is well-established. The claim by officials that they were unaware is not convincing. Is it because CJI Gavai is an Ambedkarite that the government neglected the protocol?” asked Patole.
Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the state legislature, also expressed his displeasure. He remarked, “After a son of Maharashtra reaches the highest position in the judiciary, officers fail to follow protocol and even provide a rental vehicle for the CJI. Is it because the CJI spoke about the Constitution being above both the executive and the judiciary? The government should not view the CJI through the lens of political opposition.”
Opposition leaders have demanded accountability from the government and have urged Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to clarify the matter. The controversy has sparked political debate in Maharashtra, with leaders emphasizing the importance of respecting constitutional positions irrespective of political differences.
