The Maharashtra government has released official protocol guidelines to ensure proper decorum is maintained during visits by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud to Mumbai and other parts of the state. The move follows a recent protocol lapse that drew criticism.
According to a government release issued Tuesday, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai has been formally designated as a permanent state guest in Maharashtra. The guidelines cite the Maharashtra State Guest Rules, 2004, which outline the protocol to be followed for dignitaries, including reception and farewell arrangements at airports by the State Protocol Subdivision and district-level coordination by collectors through designated officers.
The announcement comes in the wake of an embarrassing episode for the state government on Sunday, when CJI Gavai expressed displeasure over the absence of senior state officialsincluding the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Mumbai Police Commissioner during his arrival in Mumbai. This marked his first visit to the state after being sworn in as Chief Justice of India on May 14.
CJI Gavai was in Mumbai to attend a felicitation event, and his remarks reportedly prompted swift action from the state administration to formalize and reinforce protocol procedures for such high-level visits.
The updated guidelines are intended to prevent further lapses and reaffirm the state’s commitment to honoring constitutional authorities with appropriate protocol and respect.
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