Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, taking over from Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other key dignitaries. Justice Gavai, the first practising Buddhist and only the second Dalit to hold the post, will serve until November 23, 2025.
His appointment is widely celebrated as a milestone for diversity and social justice in the Indian judiciary.
A Trailblazer’s Journey: From Amravati to the Apex Court
Justice Gavai’s life story is a testament to perseverance, intellect, and the transformative power of education. Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, he grew up in a family deeply influenced by Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals and the Buddhist faith. His father, R.S. Gavai, was a prominent Dalit leader, parliamentarian, and former Governor, instilling in him a strong sense of public service and social justice.
Justice Gavai completed his schooling in Amravati and graduated in law from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law, Nagpur. He enrolled as an advocate in 1985 and quickly established himself as a sharp legal mind, specialising in constitutional, civil, and administrative law.
He served as standing counsel for several municipal bodies and educational institutions, and held posts such as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.
Justice Gavai was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and became a permanent judge in 2005. Over the years, he presided over benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, earning a reputation for fairness and legal acumen.
In May 2019, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of India, where he has since contributed to several landmark rulings and has been part of around 700 benches, authoring over 300 judgments.
A Record of Landmark Judgments and Judicial Impact
Justice Gavai’s tenure on the Supreme Court has been marked by significant and sometimes historic judgments. He was part of the five-judge Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, reshaping the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also played a key role in the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the electoral bonds scheme, a move hailed by transparency advocates. Justice Gavai led benches that set guidelines against “bulldozer justice,” curbing arbitrary demolitions by state authorities, and was involved in granting bail to prominent figures such as AAP leader Manish Sisodia and activist Teesta Setalvad.
His rulings have spanned constitutional law, civil rights, criminal justice, environmental protection, and more, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach to justice.
Justice Gavai’s elevation is particularly significant as it comes at a time when representation and diversity in the judiciary are being actively discussed. As the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to become CJI-after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan-his rise is seen as a beacon of hope for marginalised communities, and a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to equality.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Justice Gavai’s appointment as the 52nd Chief Justice of India is a watershed moment for the judiciary and for Indian democracy. It is a powerful reminder that the highest offices in the land are open to all, regardless of caste or creed, and that the values of inclusion and equality are not just ideals, but realities we must strive to uphold.
The Logical Indian believes that Justice Gavai’s tenure can inspire greater empathy, fairness, and social justice in our legal system. We encourage all citizens to support a judiciary that champions constitutional values, dialogue, and harmony. What changes do you hope to see in the Indian judiciary under Justice Gavai’s leadership? How can we, as a society, work together to make our legal system more inclusive and just?
