New Delhi: In a landmark moment for the Indian judiciary, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in today as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI). The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Justice Gavai takes over from Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who concluded a celebrated tenure marked by several transformative rulings. With this elevation, Justice Gavai becomes only the second Dalit to hold the prestigious office after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, underscoring the growing inclusivity in the nation’s top judiciary.
Justice Gavai will serve a tenure of just over six months, retiring on November 23, 2025. Born on November 24, 1961, in Maharashtra, he began his legal career in 1985 and was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019.
Widely respected for his constitutional acumen and balanced judicial philosophy, Justice Gavai is expected to steer the judiciary toward greater transparency, accessibility, and reform during his time in office. His appointment is being seen as a step forward in enhancing public trust in the legal system.
