Maharashtra declares CJI BR Gavai as Permanent State Guest, issues protocol guidelines
Mumbai: Amid backlash over an alleged protocol lapse during the felicitation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai, the Maharashtra government has officially declared the CJI a Permanent State Guest. The decision comes with updated protocol guidelines to ensure proper decorum during future visits of the country's top judge.
Under this status, the Chief Justice will now be entitled to all facilities listed under the Maharashtra State Guest Rules, 2004, including accommodation, transport, and security across the state during official visits. The announcement follows criticism from opposition leaders who slammed the state government for the absence of top officials during CJI Gavai’s recent felicitation event in Mumbai.
According to the protocol circular, formal reception and farewell procedures will be overseen by the State Protocol Subdivision in Mumbai and the respective District Collectors elsewhere. In the financial capital, either the Chief Secretary or a senior representative, along with the Director General of Police or equivalent, must be present to receive the CJI. In other districts, the responsibility will rest with the District Collector and the local police leadership.
Furthermore, as per the General Administration Department’s directive dated March 7, 2022, liaison officers will be appointed to coordinate arrangements. In Mumbai, this task falls to the Law and Judiciary Department, while in other districts, local courts will consult with the Collector’s office to designate a Group-A level officer.
The government has instructed all departments to ensure strict compliance with the revised guidelines to uphold the dignity of the judiciary.
The move comes in response to comments made by CJI Gavai during a Sunday event organised by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. He expressed disappointment over the absence of key state functionaries, stating, “If the Chief Secretary, DGP or Mumbai Police Commissioner do not feel it necessary to come, it is for them to think about.”
Opposition leaders including Congress' Nana Patole and UBT's Ambadas Danve criticized the lapse, alleging it was a deliberate insult to the CJI, who hails from Maharashtra and is known for his Ambedkarite ideology.
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Congress’ Umesh Meti wins Bagalkot bypoll
Bagalkot: The Congress has secured a victory in the Bagalkot Assembly by-election, with its candidate Umesh Meti winning the seat after maintaining a lead from the first round of counting till the end.
The seat had fallen vacant following the death of sitting MLA H Y Meti. Umesh Meti, his son, has now been elected to the Assembly.
Party leaders attributed the victory to a combination of factors, including sympathy votes, the state government’s schemes, and campaign strategies led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior leader Satish Jarkiholi.
The Congress maintained a consistent lead throughout the counting process, eventually securing a decisive win in the constituency.
