Justice Vikram Nath Reflects on Bond with Former CJI BR Gavai
In a recent gathering, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath fondly reminisced about his time collaborating with former Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai. The camaraderie they shared on the bench earned them the affectionate moniker ‘Amar Prem’, inspired by the iconic Bollywood movie, Andaz Apna Apna.
Justice Nath shared these reflections during the launch of Justice Gavai’s book, The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks. He expressed gratitude for those days, highlighting how members of the Bar continue to remember the dynamic duo’s period on the bench with fondness. “Those were truly memorable days,” Justice Nath recounted, emphasizing the mutual respect and humor that characterized their partnership.
A Nickname Born from Camaraderie
The nickname ‘Amar Prem’ was more than just a humorous title; it encapsulated the unique chemistry and goodwill between the two justices. Nath explained, “We were affectionately christened ‘Amar Prem’, borrowing from the master film Andaz Apna Apna. It was all in good humor, and I must confess we quite enjoyed the title.”
According to Justice Nath, Justice Gavai’s demeanor in and out of the courtroom greatly contributed to this affectionate nickname. He noted that Gavai’s presence brought a sense of ease and warmth, making anyone, from novices to seasoned advocates, feel respected and heard. “A courtroom can often be an intimidating place, but his wit and natural ease reminded everyone that courtesy and compassion are not inconsistent with firmness or discipline,” Nath observed.
The Impact of Justice Gavai’s Leadership
Justice Nath lauded Justice Gavai’s ability to balance warmth with judicial seriousness, a trait that resonated with many who appeared before them. “He has the ability to bring a sense of ease to any situation without ever diminishing its seriousness,” Nath remarked, highlighting Gavai’s influence in maintaining decorum while fostering an inviting atmosphere.
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The discussion also touched on Justice Gavai’s new book, which Justice Nath described as “both timely and long overdue.” The book captures the philosophies and insights of a judge whose public addresses reflect the constitutional values he upheld in his judicial work. “They tell us a lot more about the judge, the values he holds, the institutions he believes in, and the society he hopes to help build,” Nath stated, underscoring the profound impact of Gavai’s judicial and public contributions.
