The Supreme Court's second ever Dalit Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai recently visited Gray's Inn in London, where Dr BR Ambedkar, one of the greatest minds in India's legal history, pursued his legal education.
During his visit, CJI Gavai delivered a lecture on 'The Living Document: 75 Years of the Constitution of India and the Enduring Relevance of Dr Ambedkar'.
In his speech, he said that it was a privilege to be at Gray's Inn, where Ambedkar shaped his legal thoughts and developed the intellectual foundation that would later contribute to the formation of India's Constitution.
"Standing here today, I am reminded of the incredible legacy Dr. Ambedkar left behind, not only in the legal field but in the very fabric of Indian democracy. His efforts to ensure that India’s Constitution enshrines equality, liberty, justice and fraternity for all resonate deeply, and being in this space today, where it all began for him, brings a sense of connection to his enduring impact on our legal system."
Taking pride in being a CJI who comes from a marginalised section of society, he credited his rise to the vision of Ambedkar.
"Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a just and inclusive society, as enshrined in our Constitution, opened the doors for individuals from marginalised communities to overcome the social and economic barriers that once kept them away from entering the mainstream of life."
During CJI Gavai's visit, Gray's Inn paid homage to Dr Ambedkar by arranging a viewing of his portraits and archival material.
Dr Ambedkar's application form to join Gray's Inn
CJI BR Gavai reading Dr BR Ambedkar's application form
Document admitting Dr Ambedkar to the Bar
Another portrait at Grays Inn
Also present at the event were Lady Justice Geraldine Andrews (Master Treasurer), Lady Arden of Heswall (former Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom), the Supreme Court of India's Justice Vikram Nath, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (i/c) Arjun Ram Meghwal, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Kumar Doraiswami and Senior Advocate Gourab Banerji.
Senior Advocate Gourab Banerji organised the evening along with the Indian High Commission and Gray's Inn.