First Buddhist CJI and Second Dalit to Hold Office
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday, succeeding Justice Khanna. He is the first Buddhist CJI and only the second from the Dalit community to hold the highest judicial post in India, after former CJI KG Balakrishnan.
His swearing ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and other dignitaries.
Justice Khanna served a short tenure of just six months before Justice Gavai assumed office. Justice Gavai has expressed his gratitude towards the Constitution of India for enabling his journey to the CJI position.
Notably, Justice Gavai is expected to retire on 23 November 2025 upon reaching the age of 65, after serving for approximately six months.
Who Is Justice BR Gavai?
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra. He started his legal career in 1985 and has served in various capacities before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019.
Justice Gavai has presided over benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, handling cases across different domains. He is recognized for his rulings in significant political cases, including striking down the 2018 Electoral Bonds Scheme for violating citizens' right to information.
