Who is Justice BR Gavai? The 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, also known as Justice BR Gavai, took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. The oath was given to Justice Gavai by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice B R Gavai became the CJI after CJI Sanjiv Khanna's retirement.

Early Life and Education

Justice Gavai was born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, from a family of politicians and activists with rich political and social connections. He did a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (B.A.LL.B.) degree from Nagpur University, building the base of a productive career in law.

Legal Career

Justice Gavai began his practice in law on 16th March, 1985, and first practiced with Bar. Raja S. Bhonsale, a retired Advocate General and High Court Judge. He had an independent practice in the Bombay High Court, subsequently concentrating mainly on the Nagpur Bench between 1987 and 1990

Constitutional and Administrative Law are his fields of expertise, and he worked as Standing Counsel for several institutions, among them being the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University.

He was designated as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court in 1992, and Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor in 2000.

Judicial Appointments and Rise to Chief Justice

• Justice Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 14th November, 2003, and became a Permanent Judge on 12th November, 2005.

#WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu administers oath of office to Justice BR Gavai as the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

(Video Source: President of India/social media) pic.twitter.com/3J9xMbz3kw

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2025

• He heard benches at the Principal Seat in Mumbai and at Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.
• He was promoted to the Supreme Court of India on 24th May, 2019, and listened to several Constitution benches and contributed valuable inputs in landmark judgments.

Tenure and Oath Ceremony

• Justice Gavai took oath after Justice Sanjiv Khanna retired as the 51st CJI.
• His term will be for about six months, expiring on November 23, 2025, when he turns 65 years old.
• The oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was presided over by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of the highest dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, Vice President, and the members of the Union Cabinet.

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Justice Gavai has written approximately 300 judgments, most of which deal with fundamental rights and constitutional law.

Legacy and Vision

The nomination of Justice Gavai as the new CJI is a testament to the principles of social justice, inclusivity, and constitutional morality.  He reiterated his dedication to preserving the rule of law and the judiciary's independence when he stated that "the Constitution is supreme and all organs of state are supposed to work within its parameters," in his own words.

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In addition to his rulings, Justice BR Gavai's stint as Chief Justice of India is anticipated to be keenly observed for the legacy he leaves behind in advancing equality, justice, and constitutional ideals in India.

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