“Adherence to Protocol is Fundamental”: Vice President Supports CJI Gavai After Protocol Lapse in Maharashtra
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In a notable development underscoring the importance of institutional respect and constitutional decorum, the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, publicly supported Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud following an incident of protocol breach during the CJI's recent visit to Maharashtra.
During a felicitation ceremony in Mumbai, organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, CJI B.R. Gavai—a native of Maharashtra—expressed his displeasure over the non-adherence to protocol by senior state officials. He specifically noted that neither the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, nor the Director General of Police, nor the Mumbai Police Commissioner were present to receive him during his first official visit to the state after assuming office as the CJI.
CJI Gavai Speaks Out on Constitutional Respect
While clarifying that he personally does not emphasize strict adherence to protocol, the CJI stated that respect between constitutional organs is a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework. His comments reflected a concern not for personal glorification, but for the broader implications such neglect holds for institutional integrity and inter-organ respect.
“Every organ of the Constitution must reciprocate and give respect to the other organ. When the son of this State, who has become the CJI, comes to Maharashtra for the first time, if the State's Chief Secretary or Commissioner of Police do not want to attend, that is best left to their wisdom,” Gavai remarked.
Vice President Dhankhar’s Statement: A Gentle Yet Firm Reminder
Vice President Dhankhar, while addressing the issue publicly, echoed CJI Gavai’s sentiment and emphasized the criticality of upholding protocol in governance, especially where high constitutional offices are concerned.
“I am beholden to the Chief Justice of India for inviting attention to people in bureaucracy that adherence to protocol is fundamental. Protocol is placed very high for the Chief Justice of India. When he indicated the same, it was not personal,” Dhankhar said.
He also shared his own experience with being overlooked in official representations, subtly referencing the absence of his photograph in public displays alongside the President and Prime Minister. He stated, somewhat humorously yet poignantly, that once his term ends, he will ensure that his successor gets the appropriate recognition.
Why This Matters
This episode highlights a broader concern over the erosion of institutional courtesies and protocol in public service, especially towards constitutional authorities such as the Chief Justice of India. In India’s federal and democratic system, maintaining the dignity of all constitutional offices is not just a matter of tradition but also essential for preserving the balance and mutual respect among the different branches of government.
Moreover, the Vice President's intervention signals the increasing need for accountability and discipline within the administrative machinery, particularly in matters that concern high-ranking functionaries of the State.
Conclusion
This rare moment of shared concern by two of the highest constitutional authorities—the Chief Justice of India and the Vice President—serves as a reminder to the bureaucracy and state officials that symbolism, protocol, and mutual respect play a vital role in the healthy functioning of India’s democracy.
As public life continues to evolve, such interventions reaffirm the importance of civility and constitutional discipline in maintaining the spirit of cooperative governance.
