“I Am Also A Sufferer”: Vice President After Chief Justice Flags Protocol Gap

On Monday, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar echoed Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, emphasizing that following protocol is essential, while expressing regret over the lack of the vice-president’s portrait alongside those of the president and the prime minister.

He said he was also a “sufferer” of protocol in a way. “You must have seen the photograph of the president and the prime minister, but not of the vice-president. Once I demit office, I’ll ensure that my successor has a photograph.” Mr Dhankhar’s remarks on protocol came after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Gavai on Sunday expressed his displeasure that Maharashtra’s chief secretary, its director general of police or the Mumbai Police commissioner were not present to receive him during his first visit to the state after being elevated to the top judicial post.

CJI Gavai, who was sworn in on May 14, attended a celebration event in Mumbai organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Shortly after the Chief Justice’s comments, all three senior officials attended as CJI Gavai visited Chaityabhoomi, the final resting place of BR Ambedkar, in Dadar to honor the legendary social reformer and the principal architect of India’s Constitution.

Addressing an event in Delhi on Monday, Mr Dhankhar said this morning he was reminded of “something very critical in the country, and that is not for oneself … we must believe in protocol”.

“The Chief Justice of the country and the protocol are placed very high. When he indicated this, it was not personal, it was for the position he holds. And I am sure this will be kept in mind by one and all,” Mr Dhankhar said at a book launch event.

The vice-president asserted, “But I am really beholden to the present CJI for inviting attention to the people in the bureaucracy. Adherence to protocol is fundamental.”