Mumbai, July 8 -- Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was felicitated by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday in recognition of his appointment as the country's 51st Chief Justice. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hailed Gavai as a "jewel of Maharashtra" and a symbol of justice for the marginalised.

In his remarks at the event, Shinde said, "He holds the highest position in the country--it's a joy, and he is a jewel of Maharashtra. He is the pinnacle of our nation's judicial system. He granted rights to Dalits, the oppressed and afflicted. When a true diamond falls, it shines wherever it lands."

Praising the judiciary's role in recent constitutional matters, Shinde referred to the Supreme Court's upholding of th...