Overview

• Chief Justice B.R. Gavai expressed disappointment at the absence of senior Maharashtra officials during his first visit to the state on May 18, 2025.
• The Maharashtra government responded by designating the CJI as a permanent state guest and issuing detailed protocol guidelines for future visits.
• The new guidelines mandate senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, to be present during the CJI’s visits and outline specific reception protocols.
• Despite the CJI calling the protocol lapse a 'trivial issue' and urging closure, political and legal bodies continue to demand accountability from the absent officials.
• State Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule apologized on behalf of the government, while opposition leaders criticized the lapse as a disregard for constitutional values and equity.