President Appoints Justice Gavai As 52nd CJI Of India

Justice B.R. Gavai, currently a Supreme Court judge, has been appointed the next Chief Justice of India. He will be the second person from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community to hold this prestigious post after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. His tenure will last for a little over six months, until November 23, 2025, when he reaches the retirement age of 65 years.

Why in the News?

On April 30, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He will take oath on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Appointment & Oath

• Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on April 30, 2025.
• Will take oath as 52nd CJI on May 14, 2025.
• Will serve till November 23, 2025.

Community Representation

• Second Scheduled Caste (SC) judge to become CJI.
• The first was Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.

Notable Verdicts & Contributions

• Part of 5-judge bench that upheld abrogation of Article 370.
• Participated in annulment of the Electoral Bonds Scheme.
• Supported demonetisation verdict (2016) in a 4:1 majority.
• Part of 7-judge bench that allowed sub-classification within SCs for reservations.
• Delivered a landmark ruling: No demolition without a prior show-cause notice and a 15-day response period.
• Leads the bench handling environmental matters like forests and wildlife.

Judicial Career Timeline

• Joined Bar: March 16, 1985.
• Additional Judge, Bombay HC: Nov 14, 2003.
• Permanent Judge, Bombay HC: Nov 12, 2005.
• Elevated to Supreme Court: May 24, 2019.

Appointment Procedure (As per MoP)

• Law Minister consults outgoing CJI.
• Seniority plays a key role in selection.