Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has ordered the removal of glass panels from the corridors of Supreme Court.
The glass panels were erected last year during the term of the then CJI DY Chandrachud for the purpose of centralised air-conditioning. However in December 2024, following the retirement of CJI Chandrachud, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) requested his successor Sanjiv Khanna to remove the same.
As per SCAORA, the installation of glass panels drastically reduced the space in the corridors, making it difficult for members of the bar, registered clerks, interns and litigants to move around, especially during the peak hours.
It further led to delays in court proceedings and increased frustration among all the stakeholders in the justice delivery process. The availability of fresh air and sunshine had been severely restricted due to these additions, noted the association, adding that the Bar was not consulted before putting on the glass panels.
While the request was made before CJI Khanna, he did not take any action to remove them. However CJI Gavai, soon after assuming office, said the glass partition would be removed soon.
Speaking at the farewell function of Justice AS Oka on May 23, CJI Gavai told the Advocates that when they would come back after the vacations, the Supreme Court would be back in its ‘original avatar’.
CJI Gavai further ordered the removal of the AC system.
Besides, the Apex Court has decided to restore its traditional emblem on its official website, replacing the blue insignia introduced during its 75th anniversary celebrations in September 2024.
The blue insignia, launched during the tenure of CJI Chandrachud, featured a blue background with the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution of India, along with the motto “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” inscribed in Devanagari script.
The official website of the top court of the country, under the administration of CJI Gavai, reflects the original logo entailing the Ashoka Chakra upon the National Emblem of India.
In September 2024, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the new logo and a flag for the Apex Court, to commemorate its 75th year.
Symbolising justice and democracy, both the new flag and the insignia were conceptualised by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi.
In October 2024, the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) passed a resolution objecting to the ‘unilateral’ changes made to the Apex Court emblem without consulting the members of the Bar.
Terming the Bar as equal stakeholder in the administration of justice, SCBA said they were never consulted during the process. The Bar was totally clueless on the rationale behind these changes, said a resolution passed by SCBA.
However , the cause lists published by the Apex Court, continue to use the new logo.