Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai inaugurates the newly constructed chambers and multilevel parking facility at the Allahabad High Court
Prayagraj, May 31: Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai (Justice B.R. Gavai) inaugurated the newly constructed advocate chambers and multilevel parking building at the Allahabad High Court on Saturday. He stated that whether it is the judiciary or the executive, “it is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen of this country who needs justice.”
He highlighted that over the 75 years since the Constitution was adopted, the judiciary and executive have enacted numerous laws that have significantly advanced social and economic equality in India. “Land has been taken from landlords and transferred to the people. Farmers have become the rightful owners of their land. Many such laws have empowered the working and labor classes of the country.”
Expressing his gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Justice acknowledged the funding provided for this expansive facility dedicated to lawyers. He noted that the inauguration coincides with the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a figure who championed social justice in India, calling it a proud moment.
Justice Gavai recalled Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s presentation of the final draft of the Constitution to the Constituent Assembly on 25 November 1949, describing Ambedkar’s speech as a guiding beacon for the nation. He emphasized Ambedkar’s warning that true democracy could not be established without eliminating social and economic inequality.
“Today, after 75 years, our executive and judiciary have made significant contributions toward achieving social and economic equality across India,” he said.
Referring to the Chief Minister’s remarks, the Chief Justice stated, “Our Constitution has firmly propelled the country toward progress during these 75 years. When the Constitution was drafted, critics said it was too federal. Baba Saheb responded that it is a Constitution designed to keep India united and strong, both in normal times and emergencies.”
He added, “Looking at the situation in our neighboring countries today, India not only continues to progress after 75 years, but also remains strong and united during times of crisis. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution.”
In his address, the Chief Justice said, “I am pleased that after becoming the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, my first official program is here on the sacred land of Prayagraj. We have always shared a close connection with Prayagraj.”
He mentioned that Meghwal ji had just described Yogi ji as the most powerful and hardworking Chief Minister in the country. “I would like to add that the land of Allahabad belongs to powerful people,” he said. He highlighted Prayagraj’s distinguished contribution to the history of Uttar Pradesh, noting that this land’s name is inscribed in golden letters in the field of law. Before independence, some of India’s finest lawyers hailed from here, including Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tej Bahadur Sapru, and many others. Similarly, Prayagraj’s literary heritage is rich with figures such as Mahadevi Verma, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Sumitranandan Pant, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, and Subhadra Kumari Chauhan. The entire nation also honors the sacrifice of Chandrashekhar Azad in India’s independence struggle.
The Chief Justice remarked that inaugurating this grand building today is a dedication to the citizens of India. He congratulated the Allahabad High Court, its Chief Justice, all the judges, and the members of the Bar Association, saying, “You now have a magnificent building that will make Bar Associations across the country envious.” He added, “I travel extensively across India and abroad, but I have not seen such a large facility with so many amenities for advocates anywhere else in the world.” He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for providing such substantial funding. “Furthermore, due to the Chief Minister’s efforts, construction of judicial buildings is underway in all districts, which will offer comprehensive facilities for judges, litigants, and lawyers alike.”
He said that the government and the High Court have ensured care not only for judges and lawyers but also for the litigants. “We have been informed that a large construction will take place on the adjacent plot, providing excellent facilities for the litigants who visit there. Special amenities will be available for all, including persons with disabilities and women.” He added, “All these measures demonstrate that our work is not just for lawyers or judges but for the citizens of the country who come to the judiciary seeking justice.”
He also took the opportunity to commend the High Court judges who “sacrificed their bungalows for this building,” calling it “a unique example of cooperation between the bar and the bench.” He emphasized, “Unless the bar and bench work together, the chariot of justice cannot move forward.”
