Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath on Wednesday as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna and will serve as CJI until November 23, 2025.
Justice Gavai has made history on multiple fronts: he is the first Buddhist to assume the post and only the second CJI from the Dalit community, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan in 2007.
In a statement ahead of his swearing-in, Justice Gavai ruled out taking up any post-retirement assignments, including gubernatorial roles, saying, “Any other assignment is also below CJI post.” He also clarified he had no political ambitions, despite being the son of R.S. Gavai, a former Governor and Ambedkarite political leader.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985, practicing at the Bombay High Court and its Nagpur Bench. He was appointed government pleader and public prosecutor in 2000, elevated to Additional Judge in 2003, and became a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court in 2005.
He was appointed to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. Over the past six years, he has served on around 700 benches, presiding over a wide array of matters spanning constitutional, civil, criminal, commercial, environmental, and administrative law.
Known for his deep-rooted connection to his village and his father’s Ambedkarite legacy, Justice Gavai continues to visit his hometown thrice a year in honour of his father.
With his elevation, Justice Gavai brings a blend of judicial experience, social representation, and personal integrity to the nation’s highest judicial post.
