Mumbai: India’s Chief Justice BR Gavai expressed his grievances on Sunday about the absence of absent Maharashtra government officials, including the chief secretary, police chief and Mumbai police commissioner at the state’s first public event. He said that if the judge violates the agreement, the discussion on Article 142, which would grant special powers to the Supreme Court, would begin.
During a Felicitation event organized by the Maharashtra and Goa Bar Association, the Chief Justice noted the absence of three major officials. He said: “If the Chief Justice of India visits Maharashtra for the first time, and the state’s chief secretary, police chief and Mumbai police chief think there is nothing appropriate, then they need to reflect on it. It’s a question of nothing new – it’s a matter of respect for the constitutional body,” he said.
CJI reminded executives about constitutional practices and restrictions: “When constitutional institutions first visit countries, they must be carefully considered for the reception given to them.
Cji Gavai added: “If we were one of us in this case, we might have had the discussion of Article 142.”
Article 142 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to pass any decree or order necessary to enforce “fully justice” in any pending case or matter.
The CJI also made it clear that the Constitution alone is supreme. CJI said: “When asked who is supreme, whether it is the judiciary or the executive or the parliament? I can say that the Indian Constitution is the only supreme constitution and is also all three pillars of the country – the judiciary, the parliament and the executive, and it is also the constitution, and it must work together.”
Mr. Gawali became the second Dalit to become the country’s highest judicial position last month, also visited Dr. Br Ambedkar’s memorial “Chaitya Bhoomi”, which was after the Felicitation ceremony was concluded. Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Police Officer Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti attended Chaitya Bhoomi after the speech of the Chief Justice.
