Chief Justice Of India Justice BR Gavai Strengthens Judicial Ties During Visit To Bhutan

During his official visit, Chief Justice BR Gavai delivered the keynote address at a significant event hosted by the Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) School of Law at the Royal Institute of Management in Thimphu.

The event was honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, President of JSW School of Law, alongside Chief Justice of Bhutan Justice Lyonpo Norbu Tshering, members of Bhutan’s Supreme Court, High Court judges, Members of Parliament, the Director General of Bhutan National Law Institute, faculty, and students.

In his address on ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Strengthening Constitutional Governance’, Justice Gavai lauded Bhutan’s Constitution for its Directive Principles aimed at securing a good quality of life, fostering peace and harmony, and enabling Gross National Happiness.

He observed, “Bhutan offers a constitutional vocabulary that marries justice with joy, rights with responsibilities, and liberty with collective flourishing.”

He emphasised that Bhutan’s judicial framework encourages courts to view justice expansively — encompassing compassion, well-being, community vitality, and ecological balance.

Strengthening Bilateral Judicial Relations

Chief Justice Gavai also held important discussions with Bhutan’s Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges, focusing on deepening judicial partnerships.

The talks explored institutional collaborations, judicial exchanges, and future cooperative initiatives to enhance the functioning and integration of the two nations’ legal systems.

Justice Gavai reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan, extending a warm invitation for Bhutanese judiciary members to visit the Supreme Court of India.

In a symbolic gesture underscoring shared values, Justice Gavai planted a sapling within the Supreme Court of Bhutan premises, reflecting a mutual commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

This act signifies the judiciary’s role beyond legal adjudication to encompass broader social and ecological responsibility.

Further, he reiterated India’s support for the Bhutanese judiciary through planned initiatives designed to enhance technological capabilities and system integration, facilitating more efficient judicial processes.

Visit to the Indian Embassy and Delegation

Justice Gavai was accompanied on his visit by the Registrar for International Relations, the Director of the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning, and other officials.

The delegation also visited the Embassy of India in Bhutan, reinforcing diplomatic and judicial ties.

Moreover, Chief Justice Gavai’s visit marks a pivotal step towards reinforcing judicial cooperation between India and Bhutan.

His visit will foster stronger institutional partnerships, promote shared values of justice and sustainability, and contribute to the legal and constitutional development of both countries.

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