Justice BR Gavai Speaks On Terrorism, War, And National Responsibility Ahead Of CJI Oath

Justice BR Gavai, set to be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on 14 May, has spoken candidly about war, terrorism, and civic duty in an off-camera interaction with the media.

He also shared his views on recent national events, including the India-Pakistan conflict, Operation Sindoor, and the Pahalgam terror attack.

Notably, Justice Gavai will become the first Buddhist Chief Justice of the country—an historic milestone in India’s judicial history.

War Brings Suffering, Not Solutions

Reflecting on recent tensions between India and Pakistan, Justice Gavai warned against the illusion of war as a solution.

“War brings no good,” he said. “It achieves nothing meaningful.”

He pointed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as a stark reminder that conflict only prolongs suffering and rarely leads to constructive outcomes.

Further, he stressed that war inflicts an unbearably high human cost.

Deep Grief Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

Justice Gavai also expressed profound sorrow over the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives.

He recalled reading about the tragedy in the morning newspaper and feeling deeply affected.

Also Read: Trademark Plea Against ‘Operation Sindoor’ Filed In Supreme Court

With the then temporarily abroad, Justice Gavai consulted him and decided that the Supreme Court would observe two minutes of silence in memory of the victims.

“When the entire nation mourns, the Supreme Court cannot remain detached,” he said.

Judges As Citizens And Responders To National Pain

Emphasising that judges are not immune to national events, Justice Gavai stated, “We are also citizens of this country. We are emotionally affected by such incidents.”

He underlined the judiciary’s shared responsibility in moments of national grief and insisted that institutions must reflect the collective mood of the people.

Commitment To Justice & National Unity

As he prepares to take on the country’s highest judicial post, Justice Gavai reiterated his commitment to sensitivity to national sentiment.

He described the judiciary not just as an institution of law but also one that must remain connected to the emotional and ethical pulse of the nation.

His statements come at a time when the country continues to grapple with terrorism, border conflicts, and questions of national security, making his message of peace and responsibility particularly timely.