Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar backs CJI Gavai after protocol lapse in Maharashtra

A day after Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai expressed concern over the absence of senior Maharashtra officials during his visit to the State, Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday emphasised the importance of protocol in constitutional functioning. .Speaking at the launch of the book The Constitution We Adopted, edited by Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, the Vice-President said:“This morning, I was reminded of something which is very critical in the country and that is not for oneself. What the present Chief Justice said. We must believe in protocol. Chief Justice of the country and protocol is placed very high. When he indicated that, it was not personal, it was for the position he holds. I hope this will be kept in mind by one an all.”.CJI Gavai on Sunday had expressed serious disappointment over the failure of the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Police of Mumbai to welcome him during his first official visit to Maharashtra after assuming office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.He had clarified that he was not insisting on protocol, but stressed on the importance of other pillars of democracy showing respect to the judiciary..Referring to his own experience, the Vice-President remarked,“In a sense, I am also a sufferer. You would have seen photos of the President and the Prime Minister, but not of the Vice-President. Once I demit office, I will ensure it that my successor has a photograph. But I am really beholden to the Chief Justice for inviting the attention of the people to bureaucracy. Adherence to protocol is fundamental.”.[Read live updates from event].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.