Follow rich values in profession, respect dignity: Justice Gavai

Nagpur: “Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s rich values and his steadfast efforts to ensure that everyone gets justice irrespective of caste, class and gender are the two things that I always follow in my profession,” said Justice Bhushan Gavai at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall on Friday.

Gavai was speaking after he was felicitated by High Court Bar Association (HCBA) on his elevation as a judge of the Supreme Court.

HCBA president Anil Kilor, justice RK Deshpande and former Supreme Court judge VS Sirpurkar were present.

Recalling his humble beginning, Gavai said, “My father Ramkrishna and mother were the pillars of strength who always stood behind me. I never thought that a boy from Amravati would one day be appointed as a SC judge.”

“When I started practising in 1987, little did I know that I would become a judge of the apex court. I have learnt a lot from senior counsels in my 20 years of practice. Justice Sharad Bobde has played a pivotal role in my journey as a lawyer and as a judge. I have always been taught that dignity of people should be maintained at any cost,” he said.

Justice Deshpande said Nagpur has produced many a lawyer who went on to become high court and supreme court judges. Vivian Bose, Mohammad Hidayatullah, Sharad Bobde and now Bhushan Gavai are the ones who became judges of the Supreme Court. Justice Hidayatullah later went on to become the Vice-President of India.

Deshpande said, “Words will fall short if I try to elaborate justice Gavai’s incomparable work. He has been a man of his words. His simplicity speaks for his values. No matter what he will never leave his values. No wonder he will serve as an exceptional SC judge.”

Sirpurkar shared some anecdotes and said, “My work has taught me to always look after my duties and work as my duties ask me to. This profession teaches you to keep your duties and the society first. Personal liberty comes last. The rule of law must prevail.”

Earlier, Kilor welcomed the dignitaries. He called Gavai as an integral part of Nagpur HCBA and said it is a moment of glory that he has been elevated to the Supreme Court. He also highlighted the contribution Gavai made to the profession.

(Reporting by Sharvari Lohakare)