Ex CJI Gavai Who Retired Yesterday Sets a 'New Precedent' Regarding Official Car. Here's How

Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, who retired yesterday, left the official black Mercedes-Benz car designated for the CJI at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took

oath and returned home in an alternative car, sources said.Justice Gavai took an alternative vehicle on his journey back home, 11, Tughlak Road, instead of the official one.Justice Gavai, whose term as CJI ended yesterday, wanted to ensure his successor got an official car reserved for the CJI right from day one, said a source in Ex-CJI Gavai’s office.“Shri Justice B.R. Gavai, Chief Justice of India (Retd.) sets up a new precedent. After the oath ceremony was over, Shri Justice B.R. Gavai left the official vehicle designated for the Hon’ble Chief Justice and returned in an alternative vehicle from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, ensuring the official car is available for use by his successor for going to the Supreme Court,” said the source in Ex-CJI Gavai’s office.Justice Surya Kant was administered oath as the 53rd CJI by President Droupadi Murmu at a brief ceremony on Monday morning. He took the oath in Hindi in the name of God.Justice Kant was appointed the next CJI on October 30, and will remain in the post for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027, on attaining the age of 65.Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former CJI Gavai were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.