During his first visit to Maharashtra as Chief Justice of India on May 18, 2025, B.R. Gavai expressed displeasure over the absence of senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, DGP, and Mumbai Police Commissioner, highlighting a protocol breach. Speaking at a Bar Council event, he emphasized mutual respect among democracy’s pillars—judiciary, legislature, and executive. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar supported Gavai, noting his own experiences with protocol lapses and stressing institutional respect. The incident sparked political debate, with officials later apologizing at Chaityabhoomi. Gavai underscored the Constitution’s supremacy, urging harmony among democratic institutions.