A Landmark Day for Indian Judiciary
In a significant development for India’s judicial system, Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the beginning of a historic tenure.
Justice Gavai succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13, 2025. With this appointment, Justice Gavai becomes the second Dalit CJI in India’s history, symbolizing a crucial step forward in ensuring inclusivity at the highest levels of the judiciary.
Justice Gavai’s Journey: From Nagpur to Supreme Court
Born on November 24, 1961, in Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career in the Bombay High Court and rose through the ranks due to his legal acumen and integrity. He was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, and has since contributed to numerous landmark constitutional bench rulings.
Key milestones in his career:
- Practiced under advocate Raja Apte before starting his independent practice
- Appointed a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003
- Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019
- Participated in significant Constitution bench cases involving electoral bonds, reservation policies, and judicial transparency
His judicial approach is known for its balance between legal principle and social justice, and he has been widely respected for his clarity of thought and ethical conduct.
Significance of His Appointment: Representation and Responsibility
Justice Gavai’s elevation to the position of Chief Justice of India is deeply symbolic. He is the first Dalit CJI since K. G. Balakrishnan, who held office from 2007 to 2010. His appointment has been lauded by legal experts and civil society advocates for reinforcing the idea of social diversity within the judiciary.
Broader Implications:
- Encourages greater representation of marginalized communities in top institutions
- Sends a powerful message about meritocracy and inclusion
- Sets a precedent for future judicial appointments that reflect the diverse social fabric of India
Justice Gavai’s tenure will last until November 23, 2025, giving him over six months to steer the judiciary through key legal and institutional challenges.
What Lies Ahead: Key Priorities for CJI Gavai
With a short but potentially impactful tenure ahead, Justice Gavai is expected to focus on:
- Judicial reforms to reduce pendency of cases
- Promoting transparency and digitization in court functioning
- Ensuring the smooth functioning of Constitution benches
- Upholding judicial independence and integrity
- Enhancing access to justice for weaker sections of society
In his remarks post-oath, Gavai expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirmed his commitment to “upholding the Constitution in letter and spirit.”
The Oath Ceremony: A Moment of National Significance
The oath ceremony, held at the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, senior judges, and legal luminaries. The event was streamed live on official platforms, capturing the historic moment for posterity.
Justice Gavai, dressed in formal robes, was seen warmly greeted by President Murmu after taking the oath. The solemnity of the event underscored the dignity and gravity of the office he now holds.
