Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies: Major Courtroom Remarks and Public Reactions

Introduction

The tenure of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been marked by several high-profile judgments, strong remarks, and unfortunately, growing controversies. Serving as the 52nd Chief Justice since May 2025, he is the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to hold this office. His elevation was celebrated as historic, but recent months have brought heated debates, criticism, and even physical attacks linked to his statements and decisions.

This article examines the CJI BR Gavai controversies, the context behind them, and their possible long-term impact on India’s judiciary, politics, and society. (Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies)

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Background: Who is CJI BR Gavai?

• Full Name: Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
• Position: 52nd Chief Justice of India (14 May 2025 – 23 Nov 2025)
• Significance: First Buddhist CJI, second from the Scheduled Caste community.
• Judgments: Authored more than 300 rulings covering constitutional law, reservations, executive powers, and citizens’ rights.

Justice Gavai is known for direct courtroom exchanges and outspoken remarks. While this style has earned admiration for transparency, it has also triggered some of the most intense controversies in recent times. (Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies)

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Major CJI BR Gavai Controversies

1. The Vishnu Idol Remark at Khajuraho

In September 2025, during a petition related to a damaged Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Justice Gavai reportedly told a petitioner:

“Go and pray to the deity itself to act if you are a fervent devotee.”

This statement was perceived by some as mocking faith. Social media campaigns quickly escalated, with calls for his impeachment from certain groups.

• Criticism: Many felt it hurt religious sentiments.
• Clarification: Justice Gavai later explained that his remark was misrepresented, adding, “I respect all religions and never intend to insult any faith.”
• Legal Context: He pointed out that temple conservation falls under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), not the judiciary.

This controversy reflects how courtroom exchanges can get politicized, especially in an era of instant social media amplification. (Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies)

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2. Shoe-Throwing Incident in Supreme Court

On October 6, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded inside the Supreme Court. A lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai while shouting slogans such as “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate insult of Sanatan”).

• Condemnations:
  • It was described as “an act that angered every Indian” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Bar Councils, Judges’ Associations, and state leaders strongly condemned it as an attack on the judiciary itself.
• Significance: Rare in Indian judicial history, this act raised concerns about security in courtrooms and the rising trend of direct confrontations with judges.

This episode highlighted how judicial controversies can spill over into violent protest, undermining courtroom decorum and public trust. (Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies)

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3. Stand Against “Bulldozer Justice”

Justice Gavai has also criticized the practice of demolishing homes or shops without due legal process — often described as “bulldozer justice.”

• Remark: “Ours is a system governed by rule of law, not bulldozers.”
• Impact: Seen as a direct warning to state governments that bypass judicial scrutiny for political or communal gains.
• Reactions: While activists praised this stand, some political circles saw it as judicial overreach into executive powers.

This stance places Gavai firmly in the camp of constitutional protection of rights, but also exposes him to criticism from governments employing such measures. (Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies)

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4. Tribunal Members and Government Pressure

Another controversy emerged when CJI Gavai remarked that many non-judicial members of tribunals hesitate to issue rulings against the government.

• Interpretation: Seen as a rare insider acknowledgment of executive influence on quasi-judicial bodies.
• Implication: Raises larger questions on the independence of tribunals and whether they are genuinely effective in safeguarding citizens’ rights.

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5. Reservation Sub-Classification Judgment

Justice Gavai’s ruling allowing sub-classification among Scheduled Castes for reservations drew both applause and heavy criticism.

• Positive: It acknowledged intra-caste inequality, aiming to ensure equitable benefits.
• Negative: Critics, including some from his own community, felt it weakened the broader unity of SC reservations.
• Personal Impact: Gavai himself admitted he received backlash, but insisted judges must follow law and conscience rather than populist expectations.

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Why Do These Controversies Matter?

Erosion of Trust vs. Judicial Independence

• Repeated controversies risk eroding public trust in the judiciary.
• However, they also highlight that judges are not immune to political and social pressures, and must balance independence with accountability.

Security and Respect for Courts

• The shoe-throwing incident underlines an urgent need for tighter courtroom security.
• Any physical attack on a CJI sets a dangerous precedent for future disruptions.

Social Media Amplification

• Small remarks or off-the-cuff exchanges now spark nationwide debates within hours.
• Judges may need to adopt more cautious courtroom language to avoid misinterpretation.

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Expert Perspectives

• Legal Experts: Stress that controversies are part of an open judiciary but caution against political exploitation of judicial remarks.
• Bar Councils: Condemn acts of aggression while emphasizing dialogue, not disruption, as the way to challenge judgments.
• Government Circles: Concerned about criticism of executive actions, but careful to avoid appearing hostile toward the judiciary.

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Future Impact

1. On Judiciary: Could accelerate demands for a code of conduct for judges’ public remarks.
2. On Politics: Controversies may be used as campaign issues, especially in debates over secularism and caste.
3. On Society: Raises awareness about citizens’ constitutional rights but risks deepening religious and caste polarization.

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Conclusion

The CJI BR Gavai controversies show the fragile balance between judicial independence, public faith, and political currents in India. Whether it is courtroom remarks, critical judgments, or direct confrontations, every action of the CJI is under intense scrutiny.

As Justice Gavai’s tenure approaches its end in November 2025, his legacy will be judged not just by his rulings but also by how these controversies shape the relationship between the Supreme Court, the government, and the people. (Shocking CJI BR Gavai Controversies)