Enhancing judicial bonding

Indian Chief Justice Gavai has the opportunity to reinforce the judicial ties between India and Nepal.

On May 14, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai succeeded Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India. His elevation is remarkable as it brings many “firsts” to the fore. He is the first Buddhist to be sworn in as Chief Justice, the first from the semi-slum area of Amravati to reach the Supreme Court, and the first to have attained all his degrees from an almost nondescript institution amid a galaxy of noted Indian universities. Gavai is the second Dalit Chief Justice after KG Balakrishanan (2007-10). Inspired by Dr BR Ambedkar’s idea of equality and social justice, Gavai once said, “It is solely due to Dr BR Ambedkar’s efforts that someone like me, who studied in a semi-slum area at a municipal school, could attain this position.”