Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has downplayed the protocol lapse during his visit to Mumbai on May 18, describing it as a “trivial issue” and urging that it should not be blown out of proportion. He requested that the matter be given a “quietus.”
A Supreme Court press release on Tuesday stated that all concerned parties have already expressed their regrets over the incident.
Earlier, on May 14, the CJI had expressed disapproval over the absence of the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner during his first visit to the state after assuming office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.
The press release noted, “News items are being published in the media regarding protocol issues during the CJI’s visit to Maharashtra. All concerned have already expressed regrets. The Chief Justice of India has expressed that a trivial issue should not be blown out of proportion. CJI has requested everyone that the matter be given a quietus.”
Justice Gavai had traveled to Mumbai for a felicitation event organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Following the initial remarks, all three top officials were present at Chaityabhoomi, the memorial of Dr. B R Ambedkar in Dadar, during the CJI’s visit there to pay tribute.
