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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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
