Justice BR Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, marking history as the first Buddhist in the role. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath, succeeding CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13, 2025.
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and former CJIs. The event, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw President Droupadi Murmu administer the oath. Justice Gavai, who touched his mother’s feet post-ceremony, succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired after a brief tenure as the 51st CJI since November 11, 2024.
A Trailblazing Legal Journey: Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985, training under Bar. Raja S. Bhonsale, former Advocate General. He practiced independently at the Bombay High Court and Nagpur Bench, specializing in Constitutional and Administrative Law. His career included roles as Standing Counsel for institutions like Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Amravati University, and as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor at Nagpur. Elevated as an Additional Judge in 2003, he became a permanent Bombay High Court Judge in 2005.
Rise to the Supreme Court: Justice Gavai’s judicial tenure spans diverse benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, handling a wide array of cases. Appointed to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, he has been recognized for his expertise and balanced judgments. His appointment as CJI marks a significant milestone, reflecting his commitment to social and political justice, as he emphasized in a statement prior to taking office.
A Historic Milestone: As the first Buddhist Chief Justice, Justice Gavai’s appointment underscores India’s diverse judicial legacy. His leadership is expected to strengthen the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values. The ceremony, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighted the national significance of this transition. Justice Gavai’s tenure is anticipated to focus on judicial reforms and accessibility.
Justice BR Gavai’s historic= oath as CJI heralds a new era for India’s judiciary. His historic appointment as the first Buddhist Chief Justice promises to uphold justice, integrity, and constitutional values in India’s highest court.