CJI's First Visit to Maharashtra Amid Bureaucratic Hiccups

The recent visit by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice U.U. Lalit to Maharashtra was not without its share of protocol-related issues. During his speech, the CJI highlighted the importance of respect among the three pillars of democracy, emphasizing that the judiciary should receive similar respect from other institutions. This visit was part of the CJI's efforts to strengthen social and economic justice across the country.

Key Takeaways:

• The CJI invoked the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 (1) of the Constitution to determine if timelines can be set, following a judgment by an SC bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan.
• The referral aimed to clarify whether the President's assent under Article 201 of the Constitution is justiciable or not, as there are conflicting judgments from the Supreme Court.
• Prior to his elevation as CJI, Justice Gavai had expressed concerns about apparent judicial overreach while hearing matters related to violence in West Bengal and explicit online content.
• In his speech, the CJI emphasized that the judiciary should receive similar respect from other institutions, citing the absence of the chief secretary, police commissioner, and DGP at his arrival.
• The CJI was eventually met by the three officials at the Mumbai international airport, who apologized for the inadvertent snafu.
• Justice Gavai highlighted that the right to shelter is a fundamental right and should be protected, stating that the rule of law must be followed.
• The event also included the release of a book chronicling 50 remarkable judgments pronounced by Justice Gavai.

Statistics:

• 50 remarkable judgments pronounced by Justice Gavai were chronicled in a book released during the event.
• 3 officials, including the chief secretary, police commissioner, and DGP, inadequately represented the institution by failing to receive the CJI upon arrival.
• 1 book chronicling Justice Gavai's notable judgments was released during the event.

Sources:

• "The recent Presidential Reference invoked the SC's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 (1) of the Constitution to determine if timelines can be set." (Source: No specific date or publication provided)
• "In April, while hearing two matters, before his elevation as CJI, Justice Gavai had observed, ŠAs it is, we are alleged of encroaching upon the parliamentary and executive functions.Š" (Source: No specific date or publication provided)
• TNN