Equal credit to Justice Vishwanathan for ‘bulldozer’ verdict: Ex-CJI Gavai

Nagpur: Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai on Saturday highlighted the contribution of Supreme Court Judge KV Vishwanathan in the widely-discussed "bulldozer" judgment, saying the latter's role in shaping the ruling was "equal, if not greater" than that of the author of the decision. Speaking at the unveiling of the statue of Lady Justice at the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court, Gavai reflected on the judicial association he shared with Vishwanathan after both served on the bench of the Supreme Court. "The bulldozer-related judgment is especially close to our hearts," Gavai said.
The ceremony was attended by several sitting and former judges, senior members of the Bar, court officials, and office-bearers of the High Court Bar Association Nagpur. Justice Vishwanathan formally unveiled the statue.Describing the moment as a privilege, Vishwanathan, who is in line to become the 58th CJI in August 2030, recalled his early association with the iconic HC building. "I remember once standing outside this very building and clicking a photograph. Little did I know then that one day I would return to unveil such a significant memorial," he said. Reflecting on the symbolism of the monument, he said the statue represented deeper constitutional values. "It is a symbol of justice, but also of inclusion. It represents equality and fraternity, embodying what this institution stands for," he said. Justice Vishwanathan also praised the architectural grandeur of the HC building. "The structure itself is majestic. It inspires anyone who enters to maintain decorum and dignity and instils a deep sense of responsibility," he said, adding that the statue would remain an enduring reminder of fairness and constitutional morality. SC judge justice Atul Chandurkar observed that the installation filled a long-standing void in the court premises. "I always felt that this particular spot was vacant, and now that Lady Justice resides here, it feels truly complete," he said, noting that the HC building, constructed in 1940, gained a meaningful addition with the sculpture in its Indian form. Justice Anil Kilor, administrative judge of the Nagpur Bench, described the ceremony as a reaffirmation of the judiciary's commitment to constitutional ideals. "It is not merely the installation of a statue but a reaffirmation of the timeless values of fairness, courage and integrity that define the judiciary," he said adding, "The monument should remind us that justice must always remain fair, accessible and transparent."Box I am a Nagpur judge, not a Bombay judge: Ex-CJIReflecting on his connection with Nagpur city, former CJI Bhushan Gavai said, "I always said this with pride — I am a Nagpur judge, not a Bombay judge." He recalled the legacy of eminent jurists associated with the bench, including Vivian Bose, Mohammed Hidayatullah, and Sharad Bobde.