On 07-05-2025, Justice BR Gavai, the Chief Justice of India (Designate), released EBC’s “Narratives off the Bench — A Judge Speaks,” authored by Justice NV Ramana, the former Chief Justice of India, alongside Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India.The event was well-attended, drawing over 400 participants, including judges from the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, Telangana High Court, Andhra Pradesh High Court, Allahabad High Court, and Madhya Pradesh High Court and other prominent legal luminaries.
During the event, a series of speeches were delivered by the distinguished guests, each emphasising Justice Ramana’s exemplary leadership, commitment to justice, and his unique approach to making the judiciary more accessible to the public. Justice Gavai, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, shared his personal experiences with Justice Ramana, recounting their early interactions and the profound bond they had developed over time.
Justice Gavai began by acknowledging the profound influence that Justice Ramana’s leadership and values had on him. Recalling his first meeting with Justice Ramana in April 2019. Justice Gavai expressed that Justice Ramana had always been a guiding figure, not only professionally but personally as well.
One of the most significant aspects of their connection, according to Justice Gavai, was their shared rural background. All three — Justice NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, and himself, hailed from agricultural families in rural India and were first-generation lawyers. This commonality formed a strong foundation for their personal and professional relationship. Justice Gavai fondly recalled how Justice Ramana, despite his busy schedule, always made time for others and extended his support in times of need.
Justice Gavai praised Justice Ramana for his humanity, empathy, and compassion, qualities that were evident in his judgments and speeches. He also highlighted how Justice Ramana’s tenure as Chief Justice of India was characterized by his commitment to breaking down the barriers that isolated the judiciary from the public.
“Justice Ramana believed in engaging with the people and making the judiciary more accessible, something that was clearly reflected in the overwhelming support he received from his home state of Telangana, as well as from across the country, during his farewell”, Justice BR Gavai noted.
Justice Gavai pointed out that Justice Ramana’s popularity was not confined to his professional accomplishments but was deeply rooted in his relationships with people from all walks of life. He recalled how, during the farewell ceremony, people from all corners of the country filled the corridors of the Supreme Court to pay their respects to the Chief Justice, something that, according to Justice Gavai, was a testament to the extraordinary impact Justice Ramana had on the public.
A key highlight of Justice Gavai’s speech was his emphasis on Justice Ramana’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness within the judiciary. Justice Ramana’s reforms, including the appointment of judges from diverse backgrounds and the historic swearing-in of nine new judges in 2021, were cited as significant steps towards making the judiciary truly reflective of India’s social fabric. Justice Gavai also lauded Ramana for ensuring that one-third of the newly appointed judges were women, emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in the highest echelons of the judiciary.
Justice Gavai also mentioned Justice Ramana’s commitment to justice accessibility for the most vulnerable sections of society. He recalled Justice Ramana’s strong advocacy for improving judicial infrastructure, ensuring that court buildings were not just structures, but symbols of the constitutional guarantee of the right to justice.
Justice Ramana’s belief in creating an accommodating environment in courtrooms was also a focal point of Justice Gavai’s speech, emphasizing the importance of a harmonious and supportive atmosphere within the judiciary.
Reflecting on Justice Ramana’s role as a mentor and leader, Justice Gavai spoke with gratitude about the wisdom and guidance he had received from him. He shared a memorable moment when, despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 lockdown, he had the opportunity to sit with Justice Ramana and other colleagues to continue serving the public through online hearings. He recalled the shared moments of camaraderie and the delicious South Indian meals that Justice Ramana’s wife, prepared, which added a personal touch to their work.
Justice Gavai also touched upon Justice Ramana’s early years as a student activist and journalist, highlighting how his journey from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to the highest position in the judiciary was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and sincerity. He concluded his speech by acknowledging the significant influence Justice Ramana had on shaping the judiciary and legal landscape of India.
Justice Gavai expressed that as he was set to assume the office of the Chief Justice of India, he would remember Justice Ramana’s words and wisdom, particularly his emphasis on leadership, vision, and the broader role of the Chief Justice in overseeing the entire judicial system. He assured the gathering that he would strive to follow in Justice Ramana’s footsteps and uphold the values he championed.
In closing, Justice Gavai extended his best wishes to Justice Ramana, expressing hopes for his long and healthy life, so that the nation may continue to benefit from his immense contributions to the judiciary. He also thanked the organizers for the opportunity to participate in the event and for producing a compilation of Justice Ramana’s speeches, which would serve as an inspiration to judges, lawyers, and students alike.
