Congress leader writes to President, seeks action against Maharashtra CS, DGP over protocol violation during CJI’s felicitation 

The CJI had himself expressed displeasure over the absence of senior officials of Maharashtra Government during the ceremony on May 18
| Photo Credit: PTI

Congress leader and former Maharashtra president of the party Nana Patole has written a letter to the President of India seeking action against senior officials of Maharashtra government for the violation of protocol during the felicitation programme of Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai in Mumbai recently.

“What makes this lapse even more disheartening is the fact that Justice Gavai hails from a Scheduled Caste and is a staunch admirer of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s thoughts and principles. His rise to the highest judicial office is a matter of pride not only for the nation but also for the marginalized communities who see in him a symbol of constitutional justice and social empowerment,” Mr Patole wrote in his letter.

The CJI had himself expressed displeasure over the absence of senior officials of Maharashtra Government during the ceremony on May 18.

On Tuesday, Nana Patole said that he had sought immediate action against the errant officials.

“This disregard by state officials amounts to more than a mere administrative lapse. It reflects a grave insensitivity towards constitutional values and social equity. It undermines the dignity of the judiciary and disrespects the very spirit of inclusive governance that our Republic stands for,” the letter written on Monday stated.

Appealing to her to ‘uphold the honour and dignity of constitutional offices, and those who represent them’, he said her intervention was ‘vital to maintain the sanctity of our democratic framework.’

Maharashtra’s opposition parties have criticised the State government for the lapse during the CJI’s maiden visit to Mumbai after being elevated to the top office.

Minister apologises

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has apologised to the CJI for the ‘protocol lapse’. Maharashtra Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Director General of Police and Mumbai Police Commissioner were absent to receive the CJI during his visit.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued protocol guidelines for the visit of the Chief Justice of India to Maharashtra. As per the protocol, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has now been officially designated as a Permanent State Guest in Maharashtra.

Accordingly, during his visit to Mumbai, the Chief Secretary or their senior representative, the Director General of Police or a senior representative, and for visits to other districts, the respective District Collector and Commissioner/Superintendent of Police or their senior representatives will be present to welcome him.

The decision has been taken after an uproar by the opposition, demanding action against the senior officials of the Maharashtra Government for the lapse of protocol during his maiden visit to Mumbai after being elevated to the position of Chief Justice.