Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath on Wednesday as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, marking a historic moment for the Indian judiciary. He is the first person from the Buddhist community and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to hold the nation’s top judicial post. His appointment is seen as a significant step forward for social representation and constitutional values in the justice system.
Justice Gavai will serve as the Chief Justice until his retirement on November 23, 2025. As he assumes leadership of the Supreme Court, much attention will focus not only on his decisions but also on the broader impact he will have on the judiciary’s future course.
Over the years, Justice Gavai has been part of several landmark rulings. He was involved in key decisions that set limits on the use of bulldozers for demolition drives and helped define judicial safeguards against such actions. As a member of the Constitution Bench, he contributed to major verdicts, including:
- Upholding the central government’s move to abrogate Article 370,
- Declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, and
- Validating the 2016 demonetisation decision.
Justice Gavai also led benches that made headlines—such as the one granting bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case, which influenced similar rulings for other accused. He stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in the ‘Modi surname’ defamation case and allowed bail for activist Teesta Setalvad in a case linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
A Look at Justice Gavai’s Journey
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985. He started practicing at the Bombay High Court in 1987 and later primarily appeared before its Nagpur Bench.
He held several key legal positions early in his career, including serving as Standing Counsel for various municipal bodies and universities. Between 1992 and 1993, he worked as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor, later becoming the Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor in 2000.
Justice Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and became a permanent judge in 2005. He served at various benches across the state and was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
During his tenure in the apex court, he has been part of nearly 700 benches, dealing with issues ranging from constitutional law to environmental matters. With around 300 judgments to his name, his rulings have consistently emphasized the protection of legal and fundamental rights.
Justice Gavai’s rise to the top court signals a powerful message about inclusion, fairness, and the evolving face of India’s judiciary.