Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath in the presence of a distinguished gathering that included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and senior Union Ministers such as Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh.
Justice Gavai’s appointment marks a significant milestone in India’s judicial history. He is the first Buddhist and only the second person from a Scheduled Caste background—after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan—to hold the nation’s highest judicial office, symbolizing a step forward for inclusivity and representation in the Indian judiciary.
Born in Amravati, Maharashtra, in 1960, Justice Gavai began his legal journey in 1985. He served on the Bombay High Court from 2003 before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. Known for his involvement in major constitutional decisions, he played a key role in landmark judgments such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the ruling against the electoral bonds scheme.
Justice Gavai succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna and is expected to serve until November 23, 2025. His tenure is anticipated to uphold the values of constitutional integrity and judicial independence.
Acknowledging the moment, Prime Minister Modi shared on social media:
“Attended the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. Wishing him the very best for his tenure.”
Justice Gavai’s appointment is not only a personal achievement but a significant reflection of India’s evolving and inclusive judicial system.
