Context
During the foundation stone ceremony of the new Bombay High Court complex at Bandra (East), Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Shri B.R. Gavai made a powerful statement:
“A court building is a temple of justice, not a seven-star hotel.”
“Judges are no longer feudal lords.”
This declaration reflects a call for humility, accountability, and people-centric justice, reminding every judge that the courtroom belongs to the citizens — not to judicial ego.
Constitutional Meaning
The statement embodies the spirit of the Constitution, emphasizing that:
Judicial power is a sacred trust, not personal privilege.
Judges are servants of the Constitution, not masters of the people.
Courts must uphold fairness, equality, and restraint, not authority or fear.
By rejecting the “feudal” mindset, the CJI reaffirmed that judicial dignity lies in service, not supremacy.
Message to Judges Like Chief Justice Chandrashekhar
The remark is particularly relevant amidst incidents where certain judges, including Chief Justice Chandrashekhar, have displayed arrogance and threatened advocates for citing Supreme Court judgments.
CJI Gavai’s words serve as a warning and moral reminder that:
The Bench must never act as a throne.
The courtroom is a temple of truth — not a durbar of power.
Threatening advocates or ignoring binding precedents is a betrayal of judicial ethics.
Restoring Judicial Humility
CJI Gavai’s observation signals a reformist shift — urging judges to replace pride with empathy and elitism with accessibility. The legitimacy of courts arises from justice delivered with compassion and integrity, not from status or grandeur.
Conclusion
CJI Gavai’s statement — “Judges are no longer feudal lords” — is both a constitutional warning and moral lesson. It reminds the judiciary that their authority flows only from the Constitution and public trust, not from fear or privilege.
It is, in essence, a message to all judges — especially those misusing power — that humility is the highest form of judicial strength.
