Chief Justice of India Gavai bid farewell to the Supreme Court with a deeply emotional and reflective address, describing himself as a lifelong student of justice. As he stepped down from the highest judicial office, he said he was leaving the institution with a full sense of satisfaction, gratitude and humility. His farewell speech captured the essence of his judicial philosophy, his commitment to equality and his belief that justice must always remain an evolving and learning oriented pursuit. His words resonated strongly across the courtroom and the wider legal community, marking the end of an important chapter in the Supreme Courts history.

One of the most memorable moments from his farewell address was his recollection of the creamy layer verdict. He spoke about how he had used an illustrative comparison to highlight the need for fairness and balance in affirmative action. He said he had made an example of how a son of a senior IAS officer studying in a premier school in Delhi could not be allowed to have an unfair advantage over the son of an agriculturist. His reasoning highlighted the spirit behind the creamy layer concept, which aims to ensure that reservation benefits reach those who genuinely require support. His reminder of this example served as a powerful reflection on the role of the judiciary in safeguarding equality and social justice.

Throughout his tenure, CJI Gavai earned wide respect for his calm demeanour, balanced approach and emphasis on judicial integrity. His farewell speech conveyed his belief that a judge must never assume that he has mastered the law. For him, the judiciary is a place where learning never ends. He said he was leaving the institution as a student of justice, indicating his continued commitment to the values that shaped his long legal career. His words were a reminder that humility is one of the most fundamental virtues in the pursuit of law and justice.

CJI Gavai also spoke about the importance of accessibility and inclusiveness in the judiciary. He has consistently emphasised that justice must not only be delivered but also perceived as fair, accessible and free from discrimination. His tenure saw an emphasis on technology, transparency and improved efficiency in court processes. His leadership supported the expansion of digital filing, hybrid hearings and the use of technology to reduce delays. This helped ensure smoother functioning of courts, especially during periods of heavy litigation and post pandemic adjustments.

In his farewell speech, he also expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, staff and the larger judicial fraternity. He acknowledged the efforts of fellow judges, advocates, law clerks, researchers and support teams who make the justice delivery system functional every day. He spoke of the strength of collective effort, highlighting that no judicial office operates in isolation. His acknowledgement of the contributions of others reflected his collaborative leadership style.

CJI Gavai’s journey to the highest judicial office is remarkable. Coming from a modest background, he represented a powerful example of how the Indian judiciary enables upward mobility based on merit, perseverance and dedication. His appointment as the Chief Justice was seen as a symbol of inclusiveness and diversity within the judicial system. His reflections on social justice, especially in the context of reservation and affirmative action, were strengthened by his lived experiences as well as his grounding in constitutional values.

One of the major themes of his farewell remarks was the critical role of the judiciary in preserving the spirit of the Constitution. He emphasised that the courts must always remain vigilant guardians of justice, liberty and equality. This was consistent with his past judgments where he strongly upheld constitutional morality, due process and protection of individual rights. His speeches and judgments reflect his belief that the Constitution is a guiding document that must be interpreted in a manner that advances fairness and human dignity.

During his tenure as Chief Justice, several important cases and constitutional questions came before the court. While not all cases resulted in unanimous decisions, his leadership ensured that deliberations remained grounded in constitutional ethos and judicial decorum. His approach was marked by patience, attentive listening and respect for differing viewpoints within the bench. Many legal experts consider these qualities essential for maintaining stability and trust in the judicial system.

His farewell was also an occasion to look back at some of his major contributions. In cases related to social justice, environmental protection, administrative law, criminal jurisprudence and constitutional interpretation, he displayed depth of understanding and clarity of reasoning. His judgments often stressed the importance of proportionality, fairness and the need to balance competing interests. He believed that every case carries human consequences and that judges must be conscious of their responsibilities.

The reference he made to the creamy layer judgment was particularly significant. That verdict had far reaching implications on how reservation benefits are distributed. His illustration of comparing the child of an IAS officer to the child of an agriculturist was meant to highlight the disparities that exist even within reserved categories. He argued that policies must ensure that the most deserving and disadvantaged individuals receive opportunities for upliftment. His explanation during the farewell brought renewed attention to the need for thoughtful implementation of affirmative action policies.

As he retired, the legal fraternity recalled his long journey which began as an advocate in the Bombay High Court before he was elevated as a judge. Over the years, he dealt with a broad range of complex legal issues. His work reflected a commitment to constitutional governance, fairness in public administration and protection of vulnerable communities. His tenure in the Supreme Court further solidified his reputation as a judge who believed in both firmness and compassion.

His farewell also included a message for younger judges and lawyers. He encouraged them to approach the profession with humility, curiosity and dedication. He emphasised that every legal professional must remain open to learning, because the law itself evolves continuously. His view reflects the broader judicial philosophy that learning is lifelong and that every case teaches something new. This message was widely appreciated by the legal community, as it reinforced the importance of intellectual honesty and ethical grounding.

CJI Gavai’s departure from the Supreme Court marks a major transition. The institution now prepares to work under his successor, but his influence will continue through his judgments, principles and administrative contributions. Many legal scholars believe that his legacy will be remembered for its emphasis on equality, constitutional propriety and humility in leadership.

His farewell function was attended by several senior judges, legal luminaries, advocates and court staff. Many of them expressed admiration for his balanced approach, unwavering commitment to justice and ability to remain approachable despite the pressures of high office. The atmosphere was emotional yet celebratory, as colleagues reflected on his contributions and the values he upheld during his tenure.

The judiciary in India continues to evolve with rising caseloads, demand for reforms and increasing expectations from citizens. In such a context, leaders like CJI Gavai shape the tone and direction of judicial functioning. His stress on inclusivity, fairness and continuous learning provides guidance for the future. His farewell remarks serve as a reminder that the judiciary must remain rooted in constitutional values and dedicated to serving the people.

In conclusion, CJI Gavai leaves the Supreme Court with a legacy built on humility, fairness and commitment to constitutional ideals. His description of himself as a student of justice captures the essence of his career. It reflects his belief that justice is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning, reflection and service. As he steps into retirement, the legal community recognises his immense contributions and the impact of his judicial philosophy on the Supreme Court and the larger justice system.

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