President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice B.R. Gavai as the next Chief Justice of India. He will assume office on May 14, 2025, succeeding CJI Sanjiv Khanna.
The Government of India, by using the powers given under the Constitution of India, has officially appointed Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, who is currently a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI).
His appointment will come into effect from 14th May 2025. This significant announcement marks a new chapter in the Indian judiciary, as Justice Gavai will take charge as the 52st Chief Justice of India.
The official notification clearly states:
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India as the Chief Justice of India with effect from 14th May, 2025.”
Justice Gavai will succeed Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who is retiring on 13th May 2025 after serving a remarkable tenure. The appointment of Justice Gavai is in line with the convention of seniority in the Supreme Court, where the senior-most judge is generally elevated to the post of CJI.
Justice Bhushan Gavai was born on 24th November 1960 in Maharashtra, and comes from a background committed to public service and justice. He began his legal career in 1985, enrolling with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.
After practicing for years in the Bombay High Court, especially on the civil and constitutional side, he was elevated as a judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003.
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Later, on 24th May 2019, he was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. With a judicial career spanning over two decades, Justice Gavai has delivered several important judgments that have contributed significantly to the Indian legal system.
His elevation as the Chief Justice is also seen as a moment of pride, as he will become the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.
Justice Gavai is widely respected in the legal community for his deep knowledge of constitutional law, calm demeanor, and firm belief in upholding the rule of law. His leadership is expected to bring continuity and stability to the judicial system at a time when reforms, case pendency, and judicial infrastructure are pressing issues.
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The legal fraternity, constitutional experts, and the public are keenly watching this transition, as Justice Gavai prepares to take the highest judicial office in the country.
His term as the Chief Justice of India is expected to continue till 23rd November 2025, the date on which he attains the age of 65 years, which is the retirement age for Supreme Court judges in India.
This development reflects the smooth and democratic process followed in the Indian judiciary, where merit, seniority, and commitment to justice guide such constitutional appointments.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal posted on microblogging platform X,
Read Official Notification:
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