In a rare and candid address, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has strongly endorsed Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai's recent remarks on the importance of institutional protocol, calling its observance "fundamental" to the dignity of constitutional positions.

Speaking at the launch of the book ‘The Constitution We Adopted’, edited by Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, the Vice President said, “This morning I was reminded of something which is very critical in the country and that is not for oneself. What the present Chief Justice said—we must believe in protocol.”

The Vice President’s remarks came in response to CJI Gavai's pointed observations during a felicitation function organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa on Sunday. CJI Gavai had noted a breach in traditional protocol during his recent visit to Mumbai.

“When the Chief Justice of any state visits for the first time, the CP (Commissioner of Police) and DG (Director General of Police) come and meet them. But when told that I came to Mumbai, they didn't come to meet me,” Gavai said. “I don't want to get into this small thing, but there is some protocol.”

Dhankhar supported the CJI’s sentiment, extending it to his own experience as Vice President. “In a sense, I am also a sufferer. You have seen the photograph of the President and the Prime Minister but not of the Vice President. Once I demit the office, I'll ensure that my successor has a photograph,” he remarked, adding, “I am really beholden to the present Chief Justice for inviting attention to the people in bureaucracy—adherence to protocol is fundamental.”