Justice BR Gavai Takes Oath as 52nd Chief Justice of India, Becomes First Buddhist in Role
New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath today as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking a historic moment for the Indian judiciary. He is the first Buddhist to hold this position and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to be elevated to the country’s highest judicial post. His term is set to last until November 23, 2025.
Justice Gavai’s elevation is viewed as a significant step toward inclusivity and representation within India’s judicial system. His appointment reflects the constitutional values of equality and diversity that the judiciary aims to uphold.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985. He primarily practiced at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, serving in various legal capacities, including Assistant Government Pleader, Public Prosecutor, and Standing Counsel for local municipal bodies.
He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and became a permanent judge in 2005. In May 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India.
During his six-year tenure at the apex court, Justice Gavai has been part of nearly 700 benches and authored around 300 judgments. His work encompasses critical areas such as constitutional law, civil and criminal law, environmental issues, and administrative matters.
He has played a key role in several landmark judgments. Notably, he was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme, and affirmed the 2016 demonetization policy. Additionally, he upheld the conviction of Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case related to the ‘Modi surname’ remark and granted bail to activist Teesta Setalvad in the Godhra riots case.
Justice Gavai also led the bench that granted bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case, setting a precedent for similar cases thereafter.
As he takes charge, Justice Gavai’s leadership will be closely monitored—not just for the judgments he delivers but also for the constitutional legacy he leaves behind.
