Justice BR Gavai Sworn in as 52nd Chief Justice of India: A Historic Moment for Inclusivity
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday. With this, he becomes the first Buddhist and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes (SC) to assume the nation’s highest judicial position. His appointment is both historically significant and symbolic of the judiciary’s commitment to inclusivity and constitutional values.
He will serve in this role until his retirement on November 23, 2025. As the new CJI, attention will be on his landmark judgments and the judicial legacy he will leave behind.
Key Judicial Contributions of Justice BR Gavai
Justice BR Gavai has played a crucial role in several major rulings as part of constitutional benches. His most notable judgments include:
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Upholding the abrogation of Article 370 by the central government,
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Striking down the Electoral Bonds Scheme,
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Validating the government’s 2016 demonetisation move.
He has also delivered strong rulings against the misuse of bulldozer actions and has helped establish strict legal norms to prevent such practices.
Important Bail Orders and Human Rights Cases
Justice BR Gavai has presided over several high-profile bail cases, such as:
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Granting bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case — a ruling that set a precedent for bail to other accused in the same matter.
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Heading the bench that stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in the defamation case related to the “Modi surname” comment.
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Granting regular bail to civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad in a case linked to the 2002 Godhra riots.
Know More About Justice BR Gavai
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Born: November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra
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Enrolled as an advocate: March 16, 1985
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Practiced independently at the Bombay High Court (1987–1990), then mainly appeared before its Nagpur Bench.
He has served in several government legal roles:
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Standing Counsel for the Nagpur and Amravati Municipal Corporations and Amravati University,
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Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor (1992–1993),
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Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench (from January 17, 2000).
Judicial Career Highlights
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Elevated as Additional Judge of Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003
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Became a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005
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Worked across benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji
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Elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019
According to the Supreme Court’s official records, Justice Gavai has been part of around 700 benches over the last six years, handling cases in:
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Constitutional and administrative law
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Civil and criminal law
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Commercial and arbitration disputes
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Education, electricity, and environmental matters
He has authored approximately 300 judgments, including Constitution Bench verdicts that emphasize the rule of law, fundamental rights, and justice for all.
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