Key Points

Addressing the gathering at the book release ceremony of The Great Legal Luminary Dr BR Ambedkar in Ratnagiri, Fadnavis highlighted the remarkable changes that have taken place in the judicial framework under Justice Gavai's guidance.

"These days, we can see that a lot of changes have taken place in the judicial system. Talking about the Bombay High Court, they have even started live streaming of hearings, and videos of several cases are now available on YouTube. This has made a lot of valuable information accessible to the public. Continuous efforts are being made to further accelerate and enhance such systems. Justice Gavai's name will be remembered in judicial history for his immense contribution in bridging the gaps that existed within the justice system," Fadnavis said.

He further appreciated Justice Gavai's efforts in bridging existing gaps within the judicial framework, covering areas like "infrastructure, manpower, and filling vacancies of judges".

"Whether it is infrastructure, manpower, or filling vacancies of judges, the pace at which progress has been made under his guidance is remarkable, and that is why his name will be etched in history..." Fadnavis added.

Earlier in the day, both Chief Justice BR Gavai and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the book release ceremony of The Great Legal Luminary Dr BR Ambedkar.

During his address, Chief Justice Gavai said that the Constitution drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar serves as the foundation of India's unity, integrity, and democratic strength.

"I want to say that the Constitution given to us by Babasaheb Ambedkar is the very foundation on which our nation functions today. It is because of Babasaheb's Constitution that we see India progressing on the path of development. We see our nation standing united, whether in times of war or in times of peace, even during internal emergencies, our country has remained intact (Akhand)," Justice Gavai said.

The Chief Justice of India further compared the Indian Constitution with that of neighbouring countries and asserted that the judicial infrastructure today ensures that justice reaches the doorstep of litigants.

"And when we compare ourselves with our neighbouring countries, whether it is Nepal, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, the difference in their situations and ours, in my view, is because of the strength of the Indian Constitution. As Babasaheb Ambedkar rightly said, until social and economic democracy is achieved in this country, political democracy has no real meaning," he said.

He added that India's ongoing efforts to expand judicial infrastructure and decentralise access to justice are in line with Ambedkar's vision of equality.

"The way we are building judicial infrastructure today is one of the means of ensuring that justice reaches the doorsteps of litigants. That is why we believe in decentralisation and are establishing judicial infrastructure across all places," CJI Gavai said.

- ANI