New Delhi (IANS) — Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, in an exclusive post-retirement interview with IANS, reflected on his tenure at the Supreme Court, addressed concerns over judicial independence, social media attacks, misuse of technology, and reiterated that India’s Constitution faces no threat.
Justice Gavai, who demitted office recently, also spoke about “bulldozer justice,” women’s representation in the judiciary, his future plans, and why courts must not become arenas for political battles.
“Satisfied with my tenure”
Justice Gavai said he leaves office with satisfaction:
“I am happy and satisfied with my tenure as the CJI. There’s nothing I wanted to do but couldn’t.”
Social Media Attacks & AI Misuse
He acknowledged that the judiciary, like all institutions, faces trolling and misinformation online.
Calling technology a “boon with disadvantages,” he said:
“Parliament should enact legislation to control the menace, including misuse of AI.”
He also recalled the circulation of an AI-generated fake video of him, which he chose to ignore.
Plans for Social Service
Justice Gavai reiterated his earlier intention to work for tribal communities in the Belghat area, where he shares old familial ties.
“As of now, I just want to rest. I have no political plans.”
He also clarified that taking a post-retirement role is a personal decision, though he has consistently chosen not to accept any government office.
On ‘Bulldozer Justice’ Judgment
He emphasised that the landmark judgment laid out clear procedures to prevent illegal demolitions:
“Officers violating it can face contempt. We gave citizens the liberty to approach high courts.”
Some contempt petitions, he noted, couldn’t be taken up due to time constraints.
Ambedkar’s Vision & Constitution Day
Calling himself a product of Ambedkarite values, Gavai said:
“Whatever I achieved is because of Baba Saheb’s teachings and the Indian Constitution.”
He stressed the need for social and economic democracy to accompany political democracy.
“The Constitution is NOT in danger”
Amid political claims that the Constitution is under threat, Gavai was categorical:
“No, I don’t think so.”
He cited the Kesavananda Bharati judgment:
“The basic structure cannot be changed. Even after that, if someone believes the Constitution is under threat, I don’t think it’s justified.”
No Political Interference in Judiciary
Responding to allegations about government influence, he said:
“The government does not interfere in the judiciary.”
Inputs from the executive, IB, and state authorities in transfers are merely consultative, he clarified.
On the Justice Yashwant Verma Matter
Since the case is being probed by a Supreme Court judge-led panel, he refrained from commenting.
Delhi Pollution & Judicial Intervention
Justice Gavai echoed his successor Surya Kant’s concerns but added:
“Judiciary can issue orders, but implementation is the executive’s job. Pollution control boards lack adequate staff.”
Courts Should Not Be Political Battlegrounds
Commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” remarks, he said:
“Courts must not be used for political fights; those must be fought before the electorate.”
He said he granted relief to politicians from both ruling and opposition parties when agencies appeared to be used for political rivalry.
On PM Modi’s Visit to ex-CJI Chandrachud
He declined to comment on specifics but added:
“All three institutions—executive, legislature, judiciary—work independently within their constitutional domains. There’s nothing wrong if they meet.”
Judicial Criticism vs. Troll Attacks
Justice Gavai welcomed criticism of judgments but condemned personal attacks:
“Judges are human. But personal trolling is not justified.”
Women in Judiciary
He said women’s representation is improving:
“During my tenure, substantial numbers of women were appointed to high courts.”
He also noted an increasing strength of women in the legal profession.
On Maoism
He expressed relief at the decline of Maoist presence:
“Gadchiroli was once a major centre, but today Maoism has diminished considerably.”
–IANS