Key Highlights of Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai's Tenure and Current Judicial Challenges

Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, recently appointed as the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to the highest judicial office, is faced with significant issues from the onset of his tenure.

Key Judicial Issues

• Contentious Supreme Court Verdict: The Supreme Court labeled Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi's action of reserving 10 bills for the President's reconsideration as "illegal" and "erroneous". It set timelines for gubernatorial decision-making:
  • Three months for the initial decision on a bill.
  • One month for reconsidered bills.
  • A controversial three-month deadline for the President.
• Judicial Overreach Concerns: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the Supreme Court's use of Article 142, calling it a "nuclear missile against democratic forces".

President's 14 Questions

President Droupadi Murmu posed 14 questions to the Supreme Court following its verdict, aiming to initiate a dialogue on:

• Separation of Powers: Exploring the constitutional doctrine.
• Executive Discretion and Judicial Review: Examining the boundaries and timing of judicial intervention.
• Federal Democracy Balance: Maintaining equilibrium between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Future Dialogue

• Political Dynamics: Recent conflicts, like the waqf law scrutiny, highlight tensions between the judiciary and an assertive executive.
• Article 143 Reference: By involving the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction rather than seeking a review, the stakes of the President's questions are heightened.
• Necessary Conditions for Dialogue: Mutual trust and respect are essential for a productive exchange between the President and the Court.