Justice B.R. Gavai to take oath today as 52nd CJI

IANS May 14, 2025 280 views

Justice B.R. Gavai is set to make history as the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, taking oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His six-month tenure highlights increasing diversity in India's highest judicial positions. Coming from a distinguished political family, Gavai brings extensive legal experience from the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court. His appointment symbolizes progressive representation in India's judicial system, potentially inspiring broader social inclusion.

"Justice Gavai's rise represents a significant milestone for social representation in the higher judiciary" - Article Insight
Justice B.R. Gavai to take oath today as 52nd CJI
New Delhi, May 14: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to take oath on Wednesday as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13 after a brief tenure as the 51st CJI.

Key Points

1

Dalit jurist Justice Gavai follows K.G. Balakrishnan's historic Supreme Court leadership

2

Son of prominent Ambedkarite leader Ramakrishna Gavai

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Served Bombay High Court before Supreme Court elevation

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Will lead apex court until November 2025

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office.

Justice Gavai will become the second Chief Justice of India from the Dalit community, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served as CJI from 2007 to 2010.

Justice Gavai will serve as the head of the judiciary until November 23, 2025, giving him a tenure of just over six months.

A respected jurist, Justice Gavai was born on November 24, 1960, and began his legal career when he enrolled at the Bar on March 16, 1985, at the age of 25.

He practised law at the Bombay High Court independently from 1987 to 1990 and later at its Nagpur Bench. He was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019.

Justice Gavai comes from a distinguished background. His father, Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent Ambedkarite leader and founder of the Republican Party of India (RPI).

Fondly known as Dadasaheb, the senior Gavai was also a member of the Lok Sabha from Amravati and served as the Governor of Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala between 2006 and 2011 during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government. He passed away in 2015, four years before his son’s elevation to the Supreme Court.

Justice Gavai’s rise to the top of India’s judicial system is being viewed as a milestone for social representation in the higher judiciary.

As CJI, he will lead the apex court through a critical period, with a docket that includes important constitutional matters, legal reforms, and high-profile cases that could shape the future of Indian jurisprudence.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Heartening to see Justice Gavai become CJI! His father Dadasaheb Gavai was a great leader who worked for social justice. This appointment shows India's judiciary is becoming more inclusive. Wishing him a successful tenure! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Only 6 months tenure is too short! The CJI position needs longer stability to implement meaningful reforms. But Justice Gavai's vast experience will surely help him make an impact. Hope he prioritizes clearing pending cases.
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Amit S.
Justice Gavai's journey from Nagpur Bench to CJI is truly inspiring! His background in Bombay High Court will bring valuable perspective. Hope he addresses the delays in our judicial system - "justice delayed is justice denied" after all.
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Neha T.
While representation matters, what matters more is judicial independence and efficiency. Hope Justice Gavai focuses on making courts more accessible to common people. The cost and time of litigation is crushing for ordinary citizens.
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Vikram J.
His father served as Governor of three states! The Gavai family has given so much to our nation. Wishing Justice Gavai all the best as he takes on this crucial role during challenging times for our judiciary. Jai Hind!
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Sunita R.
👏 Historic moment! Only the second CJI from the community after Justice Balakrishnan. Hope this inspires more young lawyers from all backgrounds to aim for the highest positions. The judiciary should reflect India's diversity.

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Justice B.R. Gavai Chief Justice of India Dalit Representation Supreme Court Indian Judiciary Ambedkarite Leadership
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