New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai told reporters on Thursday that the Supreme Court should no longer serve as a stage for political quarrels. He made the comments after the Court turned down a petition that asked for a Special Investigation Team to look into claims of voting fraud put forward by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP).
In October, the Court had rejected a public interest litigation that demanded a judicially‑monitored inquiry into possible irregularities in the electoral rolls and directed the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) instead.
Speaking to LatestNewsX, Gavai said, “I have always maintained that the court should not be made a medium for political battles. The judiciary should not be used for political fights; these must be fought before the electorate.” He continued that courts must not become tools for settling partisan disputes.
“There have been numerous instances where cases were filed against politicians. I have openly warned that neither central nor state investigative agencies should be misused for political purposes. During my tenure I handled two such instances—one involving senior politicians in Karnataka facing Enforcement Directorate action, and another involving a Member of Parliament from the ruling party—” he explained.
“In both events, I made it clear that investigative bodies cannot be weaponised to settle political scores. I granted relief in both cases because political contests should be resolved before the people—not in the courts.”
Meanwhile, Gandhi has repeatedly accused the BJP government and the ECI of facilitating “vote theft,” raising the issue in Haryana and Karnataka. The Congress has staged public rallies in Delhi and Bihar over the allegations. In response, 272 prominent citizens—including retired judges, bureaucrats, and military officers—issued an open letter condemning attempts to undermine constitutional institutions, including the ECI.
Justice B.R. Gavai, who became the 52nd Chief Justice of India, embarked on a long legal career that began in 1985. Growing up in a family involved in social activism, he was acquainted with the rule of law from an early age. Throughout his tenure—as an advocate, judge of the Bombay High Court, Supreme Court judge, and ultimately as CJI—he showed a deep commitment to judicial efficiency and the rule of law, sparking discussion both inside courtrooms and on digital platforms and making a lasting impact on Indian jurisprudence.
He was sworn in as the 52nd CJI on May 14, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His nomination by Khanna on April 16 and the Law Ministry’s approval on April 29 led to an appointment that was historic: he became the first Buddhist and only the second Chief Justice from a Scheduled Caste community (after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan).
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