Parliament or Constitution? CJI Gavai Clears the Air

Digital Desk

Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud Gavai, addressed the long-debated question of supremacy between Parliament and the Constitution. Making his stance clear, he stated, “For me, the Constitution is supreme,” reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional values over legislative dominance.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday clarified that the Constitution of the country is supreme. He said that all three organs of our democracy (judiciary, executive and legislature) work under the Constitution.

CJI Gavai said that some people say Parliament is supreme, but in my opinion the Constitution of the country is supreme. Let us tell you, he was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court last month.

CJI reached his hometown

CJI went on a tour of his hometown Amaravati, where his felicitation ceremony was being held. Speaking at the ceremony, he said that Parliament has the power to amend, but it cannot change the basic structure of the Constitution.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said, "There is always a discussion on which organ of democracy is supreme - the executive, the legislature or the judiciary? Many people believe and say that Parliament is supreme, but according to me the Constitution of India is supreme."

CJI gave advice to the judges

He said that all three organs of democracy work under the Constitution. The CJI said that a judge does not become independent just by passing an order against the government.

He said, "A judge should always remember that we have a duty and we are the guardians of the rights of citizens and constitutional values and principles. We not only have power, but a duty has also been cast on us."

The CJI said that a judge should not be guided by what people will say or feel about their decision. He said, "We have to think independently. What people will say cannot become a part of our decision-making process."

Father wanted him to become a lawyer
The CJI stressed that he has always let his decisions and work speak for itself and has always stood by the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Referring to his verdict against 'bulldozer justice', he said the right to shelter is supreme.

Recalling his childhood days, the Chief Justice said he wanted to become an architect while his father wanted him to become a lawyer. He said, my father wanted to make me a lawyer, but he could not do so because he was arrested for being part of the freedom movement at that time.