Justice B.R. Gavai Sworn In as 52nd Chief Justice of India
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 15, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He is only the second Dalit CJI after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, and his term will run until November 23, 2025.
Born in 1960, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985 and became a Bombay High Court judge in 2003, later being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. Over six years, he has served on around 700 benches and authored nearly 300 judgments, contributing significantly to constitutional, civil, criminal, and environmental law.
Justice Gavai hails from a legacy of public service—his father, Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent Ambedkarite leader, MP, and former Governor. His appointment is being recognized as a milestone for social inclusion and representation in India’s judiciary.