Today, On 14th May, Justice B.R. Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, becoming the first Buddhist CJI. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath during the official swearing-in ceremony.
New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in today as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath, marking a significant milestone as Justice Gavai becomes the first Buddhist and only the second person from the Dalit community to achieve the country’s highest judicial office.
Justice Gavai is set to serve as CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025, succeeding CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai comes from a family that strongly embodies Ambedkarite values. His father, R.S. Gavai, was a notable leader of the Republican Party of India and held the position of Governor in Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala.
He started his legal practice independently at the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990. Later, he mainly practiced at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. His official profile on the Supreme Court’s website mentions this.
Justice Gavai’s time as CJI will be short but important, lasting for about six months, until his retirement in November 2025.
Justice Gavai mainly dealt with Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. He worked as Standing Counsel for different bodies such as:
- Municipal Corporation of Nagpur
- Amravati Municipal Corporation
- Amravati University
He also appeared for many public sector corporations like SICOM and DCVL, as well as various Municipal Councils in the Vidarbha region.
Also Read: Justice BR Gavai Recommended as Next Chief Justice of India, Will Take Oath on May 14
In August 1992, he was appointed as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, a position he held till July 1993. He was then appointed as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor on January 17, 2000.
Justice Gavai became an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and was confirmed as a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005.
He handled a wide variety of cases at the Principal Seat in Mumbai as well as Benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.
He has authored around 300 judgments, including important Constitution Bench rulings. These judgments have played a role in protecting the rule of law, human rights, fundamental rights, and legal rights of the people.