Maharashtra Politics: Congress MLA Nana Patole Writes To President Droupadi Murmu, Seeks Action Against Officials Over Protocol Lapse During CJI Bhushan Gavai’s Visit; VIDEO
Mumbai: The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is facing a major embarrassment with the chief justice of India Justice Bhushan Gavai publicly complaining about the failure of the Fadnavis ministry to follow protocol in welcoming him at the airport on his first visit to the city after being sworn-in to the top judicial post.
Several opposition leaders slammed the government for violating protocol by not receiving the CJI, who is a Dalit from Maharashtra. On Tuesday, Congress leader and MLA Nana Patole has strongly criticized senior state officials for the serious lapse. He expressed his disappointment through a social media post and a letter addressed to the President of India demanding strict action.
Patole, who represents the Sakoli constituency, said that when CJI Gavai visited Maharashtra, top government officials including Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti failed to receive him or provide the required security. According to protocol, such high-ranking dignitaries must be formally welcomed and properly escorted.
Posting on his X account, Patole asked whether this neglect was because Justice Gavai belongs to a Scheduled Caste community. He questioned if the lack of respect was influenced by caste bias, calling it a serious concern for social justice and constitutional values.
Patole also pointed out that during his speech, the Chief Justice himself expressed dissatisfaction with the way the state administration handled his visit. “The Hon’ble Chief Justice openly shared his disappointment, and this has brought national attention to the issue,” Patole said. He added that this shows not just administrative failure, but a deeper insensitivity towards constitutional values and social equality.
In his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Patole wrote that such behavior from state officials reflects a grave disrespect for protocol and sends a wrong message about how the judiciary is treated in the country. During his Maharashtra visit, CJI Gavai was honored by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in Mumbai.
However, the state’s top three officials the Chief Secretary, the DGP, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner were all missing from the function. Despite facing public criticism, they later met with CJI Gavai during his visit to Chaityabhoomi in Dadar West, the final resting place of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Patole concluded by demanding accountability and immediate action against the officials involved in what he described as a serious breach of protocol and respect.
news