Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to assume office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025. The announcement was made by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal via social media platform X, confirming the appointment under the constitutional provisions of India.

Currently serving as a senior judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Gavai was nominated by outgoing Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who recommended him as his successor on April 20, 2025.

Justice Gavai, who ranks second in seniority on the Supreme Court bench, will succeed Justice Khanna upon his retirement on May 13.

President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony. Justice Gavai’s tenure as Chief Justice is expected to last until his retirement on November 23, 2025.

About Justice B.R. Gavai

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice Gavai began his legal journey on March 16, 1985. He started his career under the mentorship of the late Raja S. Bhonsale, former Advocate General and High Court Judge, before moving into independent practice at the Bombay High Court in 1987. By 1990, he had shifted his practice primarily to the Nagpur Bench.

Justice Gavai developed expertise in Constitutional and Administrative Law and served as Standing Counsel for various public institutions, including the municipal corporations of Nagpur and Amravati, and Amravati University. His legal services extended to autonomous bodies such as SICOM and DCVL, as well as numerous municipal councils across Vidarbha.

He held several public legal positions, including Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench (1992–1993), and later, Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor from January 17, 2000.

Elevated to the Bombay High Court as an Additional Judge on November 14, 2003, Justice Gavai became a permanent judge on November 12, 2005. During his tenure, he presided over benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, adjudicating a wide range of matters.

He was appointed to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. With his elevation as Chief Justice, Justice Gavai will cap a distinguished judicial career spanning four decades.