Chief Justice of India (CJI) B. R. Gavai expressed his disappointment on Sunday over the absence of senior state officials during his first visit to Mumbai as CJI. Referring to the absence of key figures at a felicitation event and the State Lawyers' Conference, he remarked, “If the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, or the Mumbai Police Commissioner do not wish to attend the first visit of a CJI who hails from Amravati, Maharashtra, they must introspect on their duties.”
In response, the Maharashtra government has issued a new set of protocol guidelines to ensure proper official conduct during future visits of the CJI to Mumbai and other parts of the state. The updated list, made public on Tuesday, reinforces the importance of following official protocol.
The General Administration Department (GAD) has re-emphasised the rules outlined in the Maharashtra State Guest Rules of 2004 and the protocol guidelines of 2022. All concerned authorities have been directed to strictly implement these rules.
As per the 2004 State Guest Rules, individuals declared as state guests—or treated as such—are to be officially received and seen off at airports by the State Protocol Division. At the district level, District Collectors are responsible for making similar arrangements through designated protocol officers.
The CJI has now been officially designated as a permanent state guest in Maharashtra. Accordingly, the CJI is entitled to all protocol-related facilities during state visits, including accommodation, transportation, and security arrangements.
Additionally, it is now expected that the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police—or a senior representative—will personally welcome the CJI. At the district level, this responsibility falls on the respective District Collector and either the Commissioner or Superintendent of Police, or their senior representatives.
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