Justice B.R. Gavai Sworn in as India’s 52nd Chief Justice

New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Administered by President Droupadi Murmu, the oath-taking ceremony marked a significant milestone in India’s judicial history, as Justice Gavai became the second judge from the Scheduled Castes (SC) community to hold the nation’s top judicial post, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served from 2007 to 2010. Additionally, Justice Gavai made history as the first Buddhist Chief Justice of India, a landmark achievement celebrated across the country.

A Ceremonial Milestone at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The swearing-in ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, was a star-studded event attended by India’s top dignitaries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal graced the occasion, alongside former President Ram Nath Kovind. The presence of Supreme Court judges, including Justices Surya Kant, Bela Trivedi, P.S. Narasimha, and others, as well as High Court judges, both serving and retired, underscored the event’s significance.

Justice Gavai took the oath of office in Hindi, pledging to uphold the Constitution and faithfully discharge his duties. The ceremony was broadcast live on official social media channels, allowing the nation to witness this historic moment. After the oath, Justice Gavai acknowledged the applause with folded hands, shook hands with dignitaries, including his immediate predecessor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and paid his respects by touching his mother’s feet. In a heartwarming gesture, Prime Minister Modi personally greeted Justice Gavai’s mother, adding a touch of warmth to the formal proceedings. The ceremony concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, leaving an indelible mark on those present.

Justice Gavai’s Tenure and Immediate Plans

Justice Gavai’s tenure as CJI will span over six months, concluding on November 23, 2025, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age. Despite the relatively short term, he is expected to leave a lasting impact on India’s judiciary. On the day of his swearing-in, Justice Gavai headed straight to the Supreme Court for an informal tea session with his colleagues before tackling the day’s listed cases. He will continue to share his Bench with Justice Augustine George Masih, ensuring continuity in judicial proceedings.

With the Supreme Court’s annual summer recess approaching in just 10 days, Justice Gavai is expected to maintain a partially operational court, with at least three Benches hearing cases simultaneously. Reports indicate that he plans to convene a meeting with all Supreme Court judges to discuss his vision for the judiciary, share insights, and gather suggestions for the road ahead. This proactive approach signals his intent to maximize his tenure’s impact, even with the impending recess.

A Trailblazer from the Scheduled Castes Community

Justice Gavai’s appointment as CJI is a moment of pride for the Scheduled Castes community. As only the second SC judge to hold this position, he follows in the footsteps of Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served as CJI from 2007 to 2010. The Supreme Court collegium, in its recommendation elevating Justice Gavai to the Supreme Court in 2019, emphasized that his appointment addressed the need for representation from the SC category, which had been absent from the apex court for nearly a decade. The collegium clarified that his elevation was not a reflection on the suitability of other senior judges from the Bombay High Court, including two serving Chief Justices at the time.

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai hails from a family with a strong legacy of public service. His father, Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai, popularly known as ‘Dadasaheb’, was a prominent Dalit leader and former Governor of Bihar, Kerala, and Sikkim. He was also a veteran leader of the Republican Party of India (Gavai faction). Justice Gavai’s mother, in a recent interview, credited his rise from an Amravati slum to the pinnacle of India’s judiciary to his hard work and determination, describing his journey as a “muqaddar ka sikandar” (conqueror of destiny).

A Distinguished Legal Career

Justice Gavai’s legal career, spanning over four decades, is marked by excellence and impactful contributions. He joined the Bar on March 16, 1985, initially working with Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and High Court Judge. From 1987 to 1990, he practiced independently at the Bombay High Court, before shifting his focus to the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court after 1990. His expertise in Constitutional and Administrative Law earned him recognition as a Standing Counsel for the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University.

In 2003, Justice Gavai was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court, becoming a Permanent Judge in November 2005. His elevation to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, marked a significant milestone, positioning him as a key figure in delivering landmark rulings. Known as a bold and decisive judge who speaks his mind, Justice Gavai has been part of several Constitution Benches that shaped India’s legal landscape.

Landmark Judicial Contributions

Justice Gavai’s tenure at the Supreme Court has been defined by his involvement in path-breaking verdicts. Some of his most notable contributions include:

1. Abrogation of Article 370: In December 2023, Justice Gavai was part of a five-judge Constitution Bench that unanimously upheld the Central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This landmark ruling reaffirmed the integration of the region with the rest of India.
2. Electoral Bonds Scheme: Justice Gavai contributed to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the electoral bonds scheme, a significant ruling that enhanced transparency in political funding.
3. Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes: He was part of a Constitution Bench that ruled that states have the right to sub-classify Scheduled Castes notified in the Presidential List, enabling more preferential treatment in public employment and education for marginalized sub-groups.
4. Manish Sisodia Bail Case: Justice Gavai’s judgment in this case fortified the right to personal liberty, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights.
5. Perarivalan Release: He headed the Bench that ordered the release of Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, highlighting his commitment to justice and fairness.

These rulings underscore Justice Gavai’s reputation as a judge who balances constitutional principles with societal needs, earning him respect across legal and social spheres.

The First Buddhist Chief Justice

Justice Gavai’s identity as a practicing Buddhist adds a unique dimension to his appointment. As the first Buddhist CJI, he brings a fresh perspective to the judiciary, rooted in the principles of compassion and equality espoused by Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, whom he paid tribute to after his swearing-in. His statement, “I pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar, who have been the guiding lights for our nation and our Constitution,” reflects his commitment to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution.

A Vision for Constitutional Supremacy

In an informal interaction with journalists on May 11, 2025, Justice Gavai emphasized the supremacy of the Constitution, stating that all three wings of democracy—legislature, executive, and judiciary—must operate within its parameters. This stance sets the tone for his tenure, as he is expected to champion judicial independence and constitutional integrity.

Additionally, Justice Gavai has taken a principled stand against accepting post-retirement appointments, a decision he announced two days before his swearing-in. This commitment enhances his credibility as a judge dedicated to public service over personal gain.

Conclusion

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai’s swearing-in as India’s 52nd Chief Justice on May 14, 2025, is a moment of national pride and historical significance. As the second Scheduled Castes CJI and the first Buddhist CJI, he embodies the spirit of inclusivity and justice. His illustrious career, landmark rulings, and commitment to constitutional supremacy position him as a transformative figure in India’s judiciary. As he embarks on his tenure, the nation watches with anticipation, confident that Justice Gavai will uphold the Constitution with unwavering dedication until his retirement on November 23, 2025.

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