Former Bombay High Court Judge Ravindra Chavan Honored with 'Vidhi Maharshi' Title in Nagpur
In a significant ceremony held in Nagpur, former Bombay High Court judge Ravindra Chavan was bestowed with the prestigious 'Vidhi Maharshi' title by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. The felicitation event, attended by a distinguished gathering of legal luminaries and political leaders, transformed into a powerful platform for Chavan to issue a clarion call to the legal community, particularly urging younger lawyers to champion constitutional principles and enhance access to justice.
Distinguished Gathering and Chavan's Reflections on Legal Career
The ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, various ministers, sitting and former judges, advocate generals of Maharashtra and Goa, Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa chairman Harshad Nimbalkar, and numerous Bar members. In his acceptance speech, Chavan reflected on his nearly five-decade-long association with the legal fraternity, expressing deep gratitude for the nurturing environment provided by the Bar during his formative professional years.
"It is the Bar which nurtured me in my early professional life," Chavan stated emotionally. "If I could render good judgments, it was because of stalwarts who appeared before me." He praised the Bar Council's consistent efforts in strengthening trial court advocacy, attracting fresh talent to grassroots litigation, and improving overall professional standards within the legal ecosystem.
Contributions to Legal Education and Training Initiatives
Chavan highlighted his over 15 years of involvement with the Bar's training programs, mock interviews, and publication activities. He fondly recalled the Bar Council's support in printing and distributing hundreds of copies of his book "Cries in Wilderness," which was officially released by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The former judge also commended the newly inaugurated Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Training and Research Centre at Taloja, Mumbai, describing it as "the only academy of its kind not just in the country, but possibly in the entire common law world." He attributed this remarkable achievement to the foresight and persistent efforts of Bar councillors.
Focus on 'Ekalavya' Initiative and Ground Realities
A substantial portion of Chavan's address centered on the 'Ekalavya' initiative, launched a decade ago by Devendra Fadnavis in collaboration with former judges and Bar leaders. This pioneering platform aims to make essential legal knowledge freely accessible while exposing young lawyers to practical ground realities. Currently, Ekalavya studies 65 government welfare schemes, emphasizing that denial of benefits often causes greater injustice than delays in private disputes.
"New entrants to the Bar may get exposure to life and bureaucratic hurdles — to see Shukracharyas in action," Chavan remarked, underscoring the importance of understanding administrative challenges. He observed that while several public representatives once actively practiced law, such engagement has diminished over time. "Let this bond of public life with the quest for justice be strengthened," he urged, noting that the Chief Minister himself remains an active Bar member.
Call to Action for the Legal Community
Chavan's speech culminated in a passionate appeal to lawyers, especially the younger generation, to:
- Defend constitutional values with unwavering commitment
- Expand access to justice for all sections of society
- Remain rooted in ground realities while practicing law
- Strengthen the connection between public life and justice-seeking endeavors
The event not only celebrated Chavan's illustrious career but also set an agenda for the legal profession's future direction, emphasizing service, integrity, and social responsibility.
