The article details significant judicial developments and appointments during a period associated with Justice Gavai, covering his early legal career, key Supreme Court decisions, and administrative actions within the High Courts. Justice Gavai commenced independent legal practice in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court in 1987, having previously practiced in the chambers of Barrister Raja Bhonsale.
Noteworthy judicial actions included a Supreme Court Bench, which featured Justice Gavai, granting bail to activist Teesta Setalvad, a decision that followed an observation by the High Court regarding potential communal polarization. Separately, a two-judge Supreme Court Bench issued an order for the removal of stray dogs from public areas. Additionally, a stricture was passed against an Allahabad High Court judge, with an initial recommendation for removal from the criminal cases roster.
The period also saw substantial judicial appointments across various High Courts. The Bombay High Court received 20 new judges, increasing its working strength to 82. The Allahabad High Court appointed 31 judges, the Madhya Pradesh High Court 14, and the Punjab and Haryana High Court 12.
However, certain appointments prompted scrutiny. Questions arose regarding the elevation of two lawyers to the Bombay High Court, citing their association with Justice Gavai. Furthermore, Justice B V Nagarathna recorded a dissent concerning the elevation of Justice Vipul M Pancholi to the Supreme Court, an elevation that superseded an earlier recommendation for his transfer from the Madhya Pradesh High Court to the Chhattisgarh High Court.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/cji-gavai-milestones-road-bumps-10381997/