Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), with his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 14, 2025. He will succeed incumbent Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who is set to retire on May 13.
Justice Gavai’s elevation to the top judicial post marks a historic moment, as he will be only the second Dalit Chief Justice of India after Justice KG Balakrishnan. Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985 and was appointed a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019.
Over his tenure, Justice Gavai has been part of several landmark benches and rulings. Notably, he was a member of the five-judge bench that upheld the Centre’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also on the Constitution Bench that struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme, citing its impact on political transparency.
Justice Gavai was part of the bench that upheld the Centre’s 2016 demonetisation move by a 4:1 majority. In another significant ruling, he joined the seven-judge Constitution Bench that ruled states can create sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes for targeted reservation benefits.
With his deep legal acumen and decades of judicial service, Justice Gavai’s appointment is expected to carry forward the Supreme Court’s commitment to constitutional values and inclusive justice. His tenure as CJI, although brief, will be closely watched as the judiciary navigates through key pending constitutional matters.
