Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai will be sworn in today as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking a historic milestone in the judiciary. He becomes the first Buddhist and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to hold the nation’s highest judicial office—a moment rich in symbolism and constitutional significance.

Justice Gavai’s elevation reflects the judiciary’s commitment to inclusivity and constitutional morality. His tenure as CJI will extend until November 23, 2025. As he steps into this pivotal role, the spotlight will be on his leadership—not just for the verdicts he delivers, but for the legacy he shapes.

Over his judicial career, Justice Gavai has been part of several significant benches and landmark decisions. Notably, he:

• Was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the Central Government’s abrogation of Article 370.

• Contributed to the verdict striking down the electoral bonds scheme.

• Upheld the Centre’s 2016 demonetisation decision.

His rulings have extended beyond constitutional matters. A bench led by him granted bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case, paving the way for bail for other co-accused. He also presided over the bench that stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in the defamation case concerning the "Modi surname" remark, and granted regular bail to activist Teesta Atul Setalvad in a case related to the 2002 Godhra riots.

Justice Gavai has also spoken through judgments that curbed state overreach, including those condemning the use of bulldozers as extra-legal punitive measures.

A Distinguished Career

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice Gavai began his legal career after enrolling with the Bar on March 16, 1985. He practiced independently at the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990, and later primarily appeared before its Nagpur Bench.

He served as standing counsel for the Municipal Corporations of Nagpur and Amravati, as well as for Amravati University. His career in public law included roles as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor (1992–93), before being appointed Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench in 2000.

Elevated to the Bombay High Court as an Additional Judge on November 14, 2003, he became a permanent judge on November 12, 2005. He presided over benches at the court’s principal seat in Mumbai and at the Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji benches, handling a wide range of legal matters.

Justice Gavai was appointed to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. According to the apex court's website, over the past six years, he has been part of nearly 700 benches. His work has spanned constitutional law, criminal and civil law, commercial disputes, arbitration, environmental regulation, and education. He has authored approximately 300 judgments, including key Constitution Bench rulings that have reinforced the rule of law and the protection of fundamental, human, and legal rights.

As he assumes office, Justice Gavai brings not just judicial experience, but also the weight of a historic legacy—offering both continuity and hope for a more inclusive judiciary.