NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar has strongly criticized the Maharashtra state government over what he calls a "contemptuous" act of neglect during the visit of Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai to Mumbai on Sunday. His remarks come after reports emerged that top state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Mumbai Police Commissioner, were not present to receive the Chief Justice upon his arrival.
Reacting to the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rohit Pawar expressed his disappointment, calling it a matter of "deep shame." He wrote, “It is a moment of immense pride for every citizen of Maharashtra that one of our own, Justice Bhushan Gavai, has risen to occupy the highest position in the Indian judiciary. In such a historic moment, if Justice Gavai visits the state for the first time as the Chief Justice, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure his honor and dignity are upheld.”
Pawar further questioned the intent behind the absence of senior officials. “Is the state government not proud that a son of Maharashtra, who holds great reverence for the Constitution and is inspired by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, has become the Chief Justice of India? I doubt their sincerity,” he said.
Calling for accountability, Pawar demanded a detailed investigation into the matter. “If the absence of protocol was not deliberate, then the government must identify who is responsible for this serious lapse in protocol and take appropriate action. Otherwise, it raises serious questions about the government’s respect for the judiciary,” he added.