Justice BR Gavai Becomes 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai took the oath of office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. In a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office. Justice Gavai’s appointment marks a historic moment in Indian judicial history for several reasons.

A historic appointment: the second Dalit and first Buddhist CJI

Judge Gavai is the first Buddhist Chief Justice of independent India and the only Dalit Chief Justice after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. This milestone has been celebrated as a major achievement, not only for the judiciary but also for the representation of marginalized communities in India’s highest court.

Before taking the oath, Justice Gavai shared an emotional moment with his family, seeking the blessings of his mother, Kamaltai Gavai, by touching her feet. In a heartfelt interaction with the media, Kamaltai expressed her pride, saying, “My son is fearless and will deliver justice with integrity. No one can bend him, and he will serve the people honestly.”

Justice Gavai’s Judicial Journey

Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985, primarily focusing on constitutional and administrative matters at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. Over time, he became a trusted legal advisor for several government and autonomous bodies, including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and various universities.

In addition to his successful practice, Justice Gavai’s judicial contributions have been marked by several landmark rulings, including:

Upholding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a move that revoked the region's special status.
Supporting the constitutionality of the federal government's 2016 declaration of demonetization.
Advocating for sub-categorisation in SC quotas, which aimed to provide better representation for various sections within the Scheduled Castes.
Granting bail to K Kavitha in the liquor policy case, underlining his commitment to justice.
Criticising Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for comments that undermined the integrity of the judiciary.

Tenure as Chief Justice of India

It is anticipated that Justice Gavai's tenure as India's Chief Justice will be short—roughly six months. His tenure will end on December 23, 2025, when he will turn 65, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court judges. Despite the short duration, his experience, integrity, and reputation for delivering fair judgments will make his leadership crucial for the judicial system during this period.

Currently, he is the most senior judge in the Supreme Court, after Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and his immediate successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Impact on Social Justice and Representation

Justice Gavai’s appointment is viewed as a symbolic step toward greater inclusivity in the Indian judiciary. His rise from a humble background to the highest judicial office in the country exemplifies the spirit of India’s Constitution, which promises equal opportunities and representation for all citizens, regardless of caste or religion.

As CJI, Justice Gavai’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of India’s judiciary. His track record suggests a commitment to fairness, transparency, and social justice.

Conclusion: A New Era in Indian Judiciary

Justice BR Gavai’s elevation to the position of Chief Justice is not only a personal achievement but a landmark moment for the Indian judiciary as a whole. His tenure, though short, promises to uphold the values of justice, equality, and fairness, and will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the legal history of India.

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