Justice BR Gavai to Be Sworn in as 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14
In a significant development for India’s judiciary, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). This recommendation was made by the current CJI, Sanjiv Khanna, who is scheduled to retire on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai will formally assume office on May 14, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career on March 16, 1985. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a distinguished jurist known for his balanced and thoughtful judgments. He was appointed as a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court on November 12, 2005, before being elevated to the Supreme Court.
During his tenure in the apex court, Justice Gavai has been involved in several landmark verdicts. Notably, he was a member of the historic five-judge Constitution Bench that upheld the Central Government’s 2019 decision to repeal Article 370, thereby removing the special status previously granted to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In another significant case, he played a key role in a five-judge bench that struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme, which allowed for anonymous political funding. Justice Gavai was also part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the Centre’s 2016 decision to demonetize ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes by a 4:1 majority.
Additionally, he was part of a seven-judge Constitution Bench that ruled states have the constitutional authority to create sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes, ensuring targeted reservations for the most backward communities within them.
His appointment is a recognition of his judicial expertise and a historic moment, as he becomes one of the few judges from a Scheduled Caste background to hold the position of Chief Justice of India.
The legal fraternity and constitutional experts view Justice Gavai’s elevation as a progressive step toward greater inclusive representation at the highest levels of the judiciary. His tenure is expected to address significant pending issues while upholding the principles of justice, equality, and constitutional integrity.
