A Lesson in Grace: Justice B.R. Gavai's Poise Amidst Protest

It's not every day you witness a moment that truly embodies grace under pressure. Imagine, if you will, being at a grand felicitation ceremony, surrounded by well-wishers and esteemed guests, only for an unexpected act of aggression to suddenly break the serene atmosphere. This is precisely what unfolded recently with former Supreme Court Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, an incident that, while jarring, ultimately highlighted his remarkable composure and a deeply rooted philosophy.

The scene was Akola, Maharashtra, on December 1st, 2023. Justice Gavai was being honored at the Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth auditorium for his significant elevation to the Supreme Court. Everything was proceeding as planned, a moment of celebration and recognition, when out of nowhere, a man identified as Pravin alias Balasaheb Wankhede threw a shoe in his direction. It was a jarring, undeniable protest against a Supreme Court judgment, a stark moment of public dissent.

Now, many would react with shock, anger, or perhaps a moment of flustered confusion. But Justice Gavai? His response was nothing short of extraordinary. He maintained a calm demeanor, a truly unshakeable presence that seemed to absorb the hostility without letting it touch him. His initial words, as recounted later, were simple yet profound: he actually asked for the man not to be harmed, emphasizing a desire to understand the protester's feelings rather than punish the act.

Later, he elaborated on this remarkable display of restraint, attributing it directly to his upbringing and the enduring lessons from his father, who served as a social worker. "My upbringing guided my response," he explained. He recalled his father's powerful words, a principle that has clearly shaped his very being: "If someone throws a stone at you, throw a flower back at them." It's a sentiment that transcends mere politeness; it speaks to a deeper understanding of human nature and the power of empathy.

This incident, he stressed, would not deter him. It wouldn't, he assured everyone, diminish his commitment to his work or shake his profound belief in the Constitution. In a way, it only reinforced his conviction. He made it clear that while he believes every citizen has the right to protest peacefully in a democracy, such acts of aggression shouldn't be met with reciprocal aggression. He views it as essential to understand the underlying sentiment, the pain or frustration that might lead someone to such an act, even if the act itself is unacceptable.

Justice Gavai’s response wasn't just about an individual reacting to an unfortunate event; it was a powerful, living demonstration of judicial temperament and human compassion. It served as a poignant reminder that even in moments of public scrutiny or personal affront, there is immense strength in forgiveness, understanding, and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. His actions spoke volumes, offering a much-needed lesson in grace that resonated far beyond the walls of that auditorium.