Archive · 21 Nov 2025
CJI Gavai's Farewell: Legacy of Judicial Balance and Respect for All Religions
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, who is a Buddhist, said he is a secular person who respects all religions.
He thanked the judiciary for his success and stressed the importance of collective decision-making and stakeholder involvement in the judiciary.
His last working day is November 21, and he will retire on November 23.
CJI Gavai, a Buddhist, considers himself secular and respects all religions
He attributes his success to the judiciary and the Constitution
CJI Gavai emphasizes collective decision-making and stakeholder involvement in the judiciary
His last working day is November 21, retirement on November 23
- Who
- CJI BR Gavai
- What
- Delivered a farewell speech at the Supreme Court
- When
- November 20, 2023
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, Court No. 1
- Why
- To mark his last working day before retirement
Praise for CJI Gavai
Criticism of CJI Gavai
Judicial Independence
Praise for CJI Gavai
CJI Gavai ensured institutions were made accountable for their actions.
Criticism of CJI Gavai
Some critics argue that CJI Gavai did not do enough to uphold judicial independence in certain cases.
Judicial Activism
Praise for CJI Gavai
CJI Gavai was sensitive to issues of liberty and social justice.
Criticism of CJI Gavai
Some critics believe CJI Gavai overstepped his bounds with judicial activism in certain decisions.
- Age at retirement
- 65
- Tenure as CJI
- 6 months
- Total tenure as Supreme Court judge
- 6.5 years
- Retirement date
- November 23, 2023
- Organizer of farewell function
- Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA)
Sources
I Practice Buddhism, I'm Truly Secular: CJI BR Gavai In His Farewell Speech
‘Privileged To Be Captain Of Judiciary’: CJI Gavai In Farewell Speech
Hope judges follow Chief Justice of India BR Gavai’s passion for upholding accountability: Kapil Sibal
Outgoing Chief Justice Gavai's "Swadeshi" Push In Judgments
CJI BR Gavai’s voice beyond courtroom: 10 public interactions that stood out
Constitution bench that decided on Presidential Reference ‘used swadeshi interpretation’: CJI B R Gavai
Top lawyers hail ‘people’s judge’ B R Gavai
‘Position of power is an opportunity to serve the nation’: CJI Gavai’s farewell message
Outgoing CJI Gavai restored dignity of the bar: SCBA president Vikas Singh
CJI Gavai leaves behind rich legacy of prodigious verdicts on waqf, wildlife, climate
CJI Gavai’s legacy splits legal voices as Sanjoy Ghose flags political fallout, Gopal Jain cites right balance