CJI Gavai’s Farewell Remark Hints At Post-Retirement Controversy
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
CJI BR Gavai promises to vacate his official residence within rules, subtly contrasting with ex-CJI Chandrachud’s delayed exit. Quote surfaces during Justice Dhulia’s farewell, stirring fresh buzz over post-retirement housing norms.
New Delhi: On August 7, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai made a notable comment during the farewell event for Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, saying he will vacate his official residence within the time allowed under the government rules, even if he cannot find a suitable house before his retirement in November.
His remarks seemed to indirectly reference the recent controversy surrounding former CJI DY Chandrachud, who took extra time to vacate his official bungalow after retiring on November 8, 2024.
A dispute had emerged when the Supreme Court administration, now under CJI Gavai, sent a letter to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on July 1, asking for the immediate repossession of the Krishna Menon Marg bungalow occupied by former CJI Chandrachud.
In response, Chandrachud later explained that his extended stay was due to difficulties in finding a home that could meet the special medical needs of his two daughters, both of whom have a rare condition.
During the farewell organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) for Justice Dhulia, who retires on August 9, CJI Gavai made it a point to mention the importance of vacating official residences on time.
He said,
“I have [known] Justice Dhulia when he came to the Supreme Court. I didn’t know him before…he is a very warm person and has dedicated his career to the judiciary. We will always remember his contribution to judiciary. After retirement, he will be one of the judges who will be vacating his accommodation immediately after his retirement.”
Then, referring to his own retirement and the challenge of finding a house, he added,
“As a matter of fact that is a rarity, which I would be in a position to do because till 24th November, I would not find time to find a suitable house. But I assure you, whatever time is permissible as per rules, I will be shifting before that.”
CJI Gavai also shared some personal sentiments during the event. Talking about Justice Dhulia’s nearby residence and their plans after retirement, he said,
“We were discussing the other day that though he is only two houses away from my house, we couldn’t interact on many occasions —our profession is like that. After 24th November, we have decided, I will join in golf also and we will be meeting more often. I wish him all the best for his future.”
ALSO READ: CJI Gavai Wants Ex-CJI Chandrachud To Be Removed Immediately?
Justice Dhulia, in his farewell speech, shared his own thoughts on his judicial approach. He said,
“If I have a judicial philosophy, then I can only say that my judicial philosophy is around human being. Everything which is for the benefit of human being is my judicial philosophy.”
He also touched upon his dissenting opinion in the well-known Karnataka Hijab case of 2022, where he differed from Justice Hemant Gupta and struck down the government’s ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions.
ALSO READ: Justice Yashwant Varma And Burnt Cash Found at Delhi Bungalow: A Timeline Of Events
Addressing the issue, he clarified his stance by saying,
“Two or three speakers have spoken about Hijab. I wasn’t defending Hijab. What I was defending was the choice of women to wear Hijab. That was the difference.”
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Justice Yashwant Varma
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Former CJI DY Chandrachud