14/05/2025
The new Chief Justice of India (CJI) is Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, who assumed office as the 52nd Chief Justice on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His appointment was approved by President Droupadi Murmu, following a recommendation from Justice Khanna. Justice Gavai will serve as CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025, a tenure of just over six months, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Background and Career
Early Life and Education: Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai hails from a notable family. His father, R.S. Gavai, was a former Governor of Bihar and Kerala and a prominent social activist. Justice Gavai completed his B.A. LL.B. from Nagpur University.
Legal Career: He began his legal practice in 1985, enrolling with the Bar on March 16, 1985. Initially, he worked with Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and judge of the Bombay High Court, until 1987. From 1990, he primarily practiced before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, specializing in constitutional and administrative law. He also served as Standing Counsel for various institutions and as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor.
Judicial Career:
Bombay High Court: Appointed as an Additional Judge on November 14, 2003, and became a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005. He served for over 15 years across benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.
Supreme Court: Elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, directly from the Bombay High Court, a rare occurrence as he had not served as a Chief Justice of a High Court. At the time, he superseded 32 senior High Court judges, a decision based on his merit and to ensure representation from the Scheduled Caste community.
Representation: Justice Gavai is the second CJI from the Scheduled Caste community, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan (2007โ2010). His elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019 marked the first Scheduled Caste judge in the apex court since Balakrishnanโs retirement.
Judicial Contributions
Expertise: Justice Gavai specializes in land acquisition, service law, criminal law, and consumer protection. During his Supreme Court tenure, he has been par