Mumbai: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Saturday assured that efforts are underway to increase the strength of judges in the Bombay High Court, which is currently functioning with less than 70% of its sanctioned strength.
Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the Bombay High Court, CJI Gavai said, “As on July 1, the High Court is functioning with 65 judges as against its sanctioned strength of 94.” He added that the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court has recommended 15–16 names for appointment, which are under consideration.
“At no cost, the independence of the judiciary will be compromised. We are ensuring merit is maintained, while maintaining diversity,” he said, acknowledging the heavy workload on the existing judges.
The CJI urged judges to be true to their oath and maintain the dignity of the institution. He expressed concern about judicial conduct, revealing, “Lately I have been receiving a lot of complaints about the rude behaviour of some of the colleagues.”
Emphasising that judgeship is a responsibility beyond working hours, he remarked, “Being a judge is not a 10 to 5 job, it’s an opportunity to serve society. It is an opportunity to serve the nation.”
While expressing pride in his association with the Bombay High Court — where he once practised and later served as a judge — CJI Gavai said, “Please do not do anything which brings disrepute to this august institution, whose reputation has been so laboriously built by the devotion and dedication of generations of lawyers and generations of judges.”
Referring to a recent controversy involving a neighbouring High Court, he cautioned, “I would urge colleagues in the High Court, ensure such an incident doesn’t occur in Bombay, which has a rich tradition.” Without elaborating on the specifics, he said the conduct of judges plays a vital role in preserving the court’s credibility.
“I shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that the name of the Bombay High Court and its high traditions are enriched,” the CJI said emotionally.
CJI Gavai also reflected on the approach to interpreting laws and the Constitution. “The interpretation has to be pragmatic. It has to be one that suits the needs of society,” he said, citing a past Supreme Court ruling that legal interpretation must take into account the issues of the current generation.
Urging judges to act with integrity and impartiality, the CJI concluded by saying, “Judges are expected to work as per their conscience, the oath of office and law, but should never be perturbed once the matter is decided. A judge should cut off his mind from the matter and forget what happens to it thereafter.”
