CJI Bhushan Gavai: “Judges Are No Longer Feudal Lords; Bombay HC Building Should Reflect Democratic Values, Not Extravagance”

CJI Bhushan Gavai urged restraint and simplicity in the design of the upcoming Bombay High Court building, emphasizing that judges serve citizens, not status, and the structure should symbolize democracy.

Mumbai | 06 November 2025: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R. Gavai on Wednesday said that there should be “no extravagance” in the new Bombay High Court building proposed at Bandra (East), stressing that “judges are no longer feudal lords” but servants of the Constitution and the people.

CJI Gavai, who served in the Bombay High Court for nearly 16 years before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019, made the remarks while addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new High Court complex.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of the Bombay High Court were also present at the event.

During his speech, CM Fadnavis said that the upcoming High Court building should embody “democratic grandeur and not imperialistic grandeur.” He explained that while imperial architecture reflected the might of kings, the new structure must instead represent democratic values and reassure every citizen of equal access to justice.

Endorsing the Chief Minister’s view, CJI Gavai said, “The building designed by architect Hafeez Contractor will surely be iconic, but it must reflect democratic ideals, not imperial excess.”

He also referred to reports suggesting that parts of the project appeared extravagant, such as shared lifts for judges. “Judges today are not feudal lords,” he said. “Whether from the Trial Court, High Court, or Supreme Court, all institutions judiciary, legislature, and executive function under the Constitution to serve the last citizen.”

Gavai emphasized that the structure should remain a “temple of justice, not a seven-star hotel,” calling for moderation even while maintaining architectural excellence.

He further advised the High Court building committee and architects to consider the “future needs of litigants and the judiciary” while finalizing the design, citing underused chambers at other court complexes such as Allahabad’s Lucknow bench and the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court.

As he prepares to demit office on November 23, CJI Gavai said he was honored to conclude his tenure by laying the foundation of “one of the most prestigious court buildings the world will see,” expressing confidence that it would become “the best court building in the country.”

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