President Droupadi Murmu has approved the appointment of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). Justice Gavai is scheduled to take the oath of office on May 14, 2025, succeeding the current Chief Justice.
The announcement was officially shared by Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that the appointment was made under the powers conferred by the Constitution of India.
Justice Gavai, who is presently serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, will assume his new responsibilities effective May 14, 2025. With this elevation, he will become only the second Dalit Chief Justice in the history of India’s judiciary after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.
Born on November 24, 1960, Justice Gavai began his legal practice at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court before being elevated as a Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003. He was later appointed to the Supreme Court in May 2019.
Justice Gavai is widely respected for his expertise in constitutional law, civil matters, and administrative law. His appointment continues the tradition of seniority being respected in the selection of the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Gavai’s tenure as CJI is expected to be relatively short, lasting until November 23, 2025.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in the presence of dignitaries from the judiciary, executive, and legislature.
