Why Is Justice B.R. Gavai’s Appointment as Chief Justice of India Historic?

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was officially sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office. The event was attended by the country’s top leadership, marking a significant moment in India’s judicial and constitutional history.

Justice Gavai succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13, 2025. He will serve as the head of the Indian judiciary until November 23, 2025.

Who is Justice B.R. Gavai? Background and Judicial Journey

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai comes from a politically and socially active background. He is a practising Buddhist and becomes the first Buddhist to hold the office of Chief Justice of India, a landmark moment for representation and inclusion in India’s top judiciary.

Career Highlights:

• Appointed Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003
• Became a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005
• Elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019

During his tenure at the Supreme Court, Justice Gavai has been part of several Constitution benches and has contributed to multiple landmark judgments that have shaped Indian constitutional and civil jurisprudence.

Significance of His Appointment

Justice Gavai’s elevation carries both symbolic and systemic importance. He is one of the few Supreme Court judges from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category to be appointed in the last decade. This makes his appointment a significant step toward diversity and social inclusion within the highest echelons of the Indian judiciary.

Justice Gavai’s Constitutional Vision

In a recent interaction with journalists, Justice Gavai reinforced his commitment to the supremacy of the Indian Constitution, stating:

This reflects his belief in a balanced democracy, where the executive, legislature, and judiciary must function in harmony and within constitutional limits.

The Swearing-in Ceremony: Dignitaries in Attendance

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by several prominent leaders and dignitaries, including:

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Several Supreme Court judges were also present at the ceremony, including Justice Surya Kant, Justice Bela Trivedi, and Justice P.S. Narasimha, among others.

The event reflected the gravitas and national importance of the occasion, signaling a new chapter in the leadership of India’s judiciary.

A Brief Note on Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Departure

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who served as the 51st Chief Justice, demitted office on May 13, 2025, after a brief but impactful tenure. Known for his balanced judgments and judicial propriety, he passed the mantle to Justice Gavai, ensuring a smooth and dignified transition at the highest level.