New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was inaugurated as the Chief Justice of India in a ceremony held at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, today, taking over from Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13. Taking the oath before President Droupadi Murmu at 10:00 AM, Gavai, the 52nd Chief Justice of India, became the first Buddhist and second Scheduled Caste jurist to lead the Supreme Court of India (SC). Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended, posting on X: “Wishing him the very best for his tenure.” The ceremony, attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and dignitaries, marks a historic transition for India’s judiciary, with Gavai poised to guide landmark rulings until his retirement on November 23, 2025.
In his role as Chief Justice of India, Gavai is set to lead the Supreme Court through pressing challenges, including the issue of judicial delays, the implications of the Waqf Amendment Act, and ongoing constitutional disputes. Since joining the Supreme Court in May 2019, he has authored approximately 300 judgments across approximately 700 benches, including Constitution Bench rulings. His landmark decisions include upholding the 2016 demonetization scheme (2023), affirming consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI); validating the abrogation of Article 370 (2023), ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status; and striking down the electoral bonds scheme (2024) for transparency in political funding. In 2024, he ruled against “bulldozer justice,” mandating a 15-day notice and due process for demolitions, protecting citizens’ rights. He also supported the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (2024), promoting equitable reservations, and granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor policy case (2024), emphasising fair trial principles.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Gavai joined the Bar in 1985, practising under Raja S. Bhonsale, former Advocate General, until 1987. From 1987 to 1990, he practised independently at the Bombay High Court, and thereafter continued his practice at the Nagpur Bench, focusing on Constitutional and Administrative Law. He represented Nagpur and Amravati Municipal Corporations, Amravati University, the State Industrial Corporation of Maharashtra (SICOM), alongside Vidarbha municipal councils. His Ambedkarite family legacy, rooted in social justice, has shaped his judicial philosophy.
From 1987 to 1990, he practised independently at the Bombay High Court, and thereafter continued his practice at the Nagpur Bench, focusing on Constitutional and Administrative Law. He was appointed as an Additional Judge in 2003 and became a Permanent Judge in 2005, overseeing various benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji. His Supreme Court tenure spans constitutional, civil, criminal, commercial, arbitration, electricity, education, and environmental law, consistently upholding fundamental and human rights.
Globally, Gavai attended conferences in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), New York (United States of America), Cardiff (United Kingdom), and Nairobi (Kenya), and delivered lectures at Columbia and Harvard Universities on constitutional and environmental issues. His international perspective enhances his approach to complex legal challenges.
The ceremony underscores Gavai’s pivotal role in advancing inclusive justice, drawing on his legacy and expertise to address India’s judicial priorities during his brief but impactful tenure.
– global bihari bureau
