Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been named as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He will be sworn in as the new CJI on May 14, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Gavai will replace the outgoing CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will retire on May 13.
A Distinguished Legal Career of Gavai
Born on November 24, 1960, at Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai started his legal practice in 1985. He started practicing under the tutelage of Raja S. Bhonsale, ex Advocate General and High Court Judge, and later set up his independent practice at the Bombay High Court in 1987. He was made an additional judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and was made a permanent judge in 2005. He was promoted to the Supreme Court in May 2019.
During his career, Justice Gavai has had a hand in some of the key Constitution Bench judgments. He was among the five-judge bench that allowed the abrogation of Article 370 that took away Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Gavai also was on the bench that decided to strike down the controversial scheme of electoral bonds for political party funding. He was also on the bench that upheld the Centre’s 2016 demonetisation action by a 4:1 margin.
Historic Representation and Brief Tenure
Justice Gavai’s elevation is also notable for its social significance he will become the second Chief Justice of India from the Scheduled Caste community, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. His appointment marks an important milestone in the judiciary’s representation and inclusivity.
His term, nonetheless, will be comparatively brief. Justice Gavai will retire on November 23, 2025, when he reaches the age of 65, the retirement age for a Supreme Court judge.
The name of Justice Gavai was suggested by Justice Sanjiv Khanna in accordance with the convention of choosing the Chief Justice of India according to seniority. His elevation adds years of judicial experience and a legacy of historic judgments to India’s highest judicial office.
