Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai’s swearing-in ceremony follows the retirement of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13, 2025.
LOCAL
In a historic ceremony today at 10:00 AM, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took the oath of office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the Ganatantra Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Gavai, marking the beginning of his tenure at the helm of the country’s judiciary.
Justice Gavai’s swearing-in ceremony follows the retirement of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai, a senior and respected judge of the Supreme Court, will serve as the Chief Justice until November 23, 2025, and he is poised to lead the top judiciary of the nation through a crucial phase.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai’s journey through the Indian judicial system has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his legal career as an advocate and made significant strides in the legal world. His elevation to the Bombay High Court as an additional judge on November 14, 2003, was a significant milestone. On November 12, 2005, he was made a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court.
His tenure at the Bombay High Court was distinguished by his insightful judgments and contributions to the legal field. Justice Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, where he became a part of several Constitution benches. These benches delivered landmark rulings on a variety of matters of national importance. His contribution to the nation’s legal landscape is widely recognized and admired.
Justice Gavai's appointment is also a moment of pride for the community, as he is the first practising Buddhist to hold the office of Chief Justice of India. This is a historic achievement, and his rise from humble beginnings to the highest judicial post in the country is seen as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
In an informal conversation with journalists earlier this week, he emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional principles. He said, “The Constitution is supreme, and all organs of the state are expected to function within its parameters.”