B R Gavai sworn in as 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna and will serve as CJI until November 23, 2025.

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his judicial career with the Bombay High Court in 2003, becoming a permanent judge in 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019 and has since participated in several Constitution bench cases that delivered key rulings.

His appointment carries historical significance, as he is the first judge from a Scheduled Caste background to serve as CJI in over a decade. The Supreme Court collegium, while recommending his elevation, had clarified that his appointment should not reflect on the merit of other senior Bombay High Court judges, but would bring important social representation to the apex court.

In an informal media interaction, Justice Gavai emphasized the supremacy of the Constitution, stating that all three arms of the state must operate within its framework. “Our democracy’s strength lies in respecting constitutional limits,” he said.

The oath ceremony was attended by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and senior ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S. Jaishankar. Former CJI Khanna and several Supreme Court justices, including Justices Surya Kant and Bela Trivedi, were also present.

Justice Gavai’s elevation marks not just a significant personal milestone but also a moment of inclusivity and balance for India’s top judiciary, reflecting the spirit of constitutional equality and representation.