Justice BR Gavai Sworn in as Chief Justice
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath. He takes over from Justice Sanjiv Khanna and will serve until November 23, 2025, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Justice BR Gavai
Justice Gavai’s appointment marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit ever to occupy the country’s highest judicial office. The first was Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served from 2007 to 2010. Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai is the son of R.S. Gavai, a noted Ambedkarite leader who also served as Governor of Bihar and Kerala. His elevation is being seen as a significant moment for representation and inclusion in India’s judiciary.
Justice Gavai began his legal practice in 1985 and was appointed an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003, becoming permanent two years later. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. Over the years, he has delivered nearly 300 judgments, several of them as part of Constitution Benches. His judicial record includes major decisions on key issues such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the legality of the demonetisation process.
Supreme Court India
Following his oath ceremony, Justice Gavai stated, “Ultimately it’s the Constitution which is supreme. All three wings of our democracy are supposed to act within the constitutional parameters.” His words reflect a strong commitment to constitutional values, a stance that aligns with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of ensuring justice, liberty, and equality for all.
Chief Justice India
A touching moment came when Justice Gavai sought the blessings of his mother, Kamaltai Gavai, by touching her feet right after taking the oath. The gesture, steeped in Indian tradition, was widely appreciated and seen as a reflection of humility and deep respect for family values.
Justice Gavai now faces the complex task of presiding over a judiciary that is under immense public and institutional scrutiny. In the coming months, he is expected to play a key role in important constitutional matters and reforms aimed at ensuring judicial accountability and efficiency.
