CJI Gavai describes himself as “truly secular”, says he believes in all religions, practices Buddhis
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Thursday said he considers himself “a truly secular person” who believes in all religions while personally practising Buddhism. He made these remarks at a farewell event organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association ahead of his demitting office.
Speaking at the gathering, the CJI also highlighted that the long-pending chamber allotment issue, stalled for several years, was resolved within just “two or three meetings” after he, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Maheshwari joined the chamber allotment committee. He emphasised that both the SCBA and SCAORA were always kept in the loop on issues concerning the legal fraternity.
Referring to his last working day, the Chief Justice said he felt “a sense of relief” after pronouncing two significant judgments earlier in the day: the Constitution Bench opinion in the Presidential Reference on the powers of Governors and the President regarding bill assent, and another verdict related to the Aravalli hill ranges.
Justice Gavai shared that although he practices Buddhism, he does not possess deep religious scholarship. Describing his secular outlook, he said he believes in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam, a perspective he attributes to his father, an ardent follower of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
He added that he knows “a bit of the Dhammapada” but not in depth, reiterating that his approach to religion is rooted in a broad, inclusive understanding.
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Bengaluru: Four arrested for housebreaking, threats, extortion; fake PSI among accused
Bengaluru: Vidyaranyapura police have arrested four persons, including a man posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), for allegedly breaking into a house, threatening the occupants, and extorting money while wearing police uniforms.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mallikarjuna, Pramod, Vinay, and Hrithik.
Police said the accused had hatched a plan to pose as police personnel, conduct fake raids, and extort money from residents by intimidation.
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According to the police, Mallikarjuna had failed the PSI examination twice and later falsely projected himself as a PSI. He allegedly conducted photo shoots in his hometown, Siraguppa, wearing a police uniform, baton, cap, and shoes, claiming to be serving as a PSI in Bengaluru.
On December 7, the four accused allegedly went to the house of Naveen in the Vidyaranyapura limits, threatened him with a stick and an iron rod, and claimed they had information that he was selling ganja. Under the pretext of searching, they allegedly extorted ₹87,000 through bank transfer, ₹53,000 in cash kept in the house, and ₹2,000 from his wallet.
Following Naveen’s complaint, Vidyaranyapura police registered a case and launched an operation, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Police have seized ₹45,000 in cash and the car used to commit the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
