Justice BR Gavai Takes Oath as India’s 52nd CJI

In a landmark moment for the Indian judiciary, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. The oath ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and was conducted by President Droupadi Murmu.

Justice Gavai succeeds Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who completed his tenure after leading the Supreme Court for over two years.

Who is Justice BR Gavai?

Justice BR Gavai is a senior judge of the Supreme Court of India, known for his balanced views and deep understanding of constitutional law. He hails from Maharashtra and was born on November 24, 1961. He started his legal career in the Bombay High Court, where he served as a judge for several years before being elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019.

Importantly, Justice Gavai is the second Dalit judge in Indian history to become the Chief Justice of India, after Justice KG Balakrishnan. His rise to this top position is being seen as a step forward for inclusivity and representation in the judiciary.

Justice Gavai’s term as Chief Justice of India

Justice Gavai will serve as CJI until November 23, 2025, a tenure of just over six months. Though short, his time in office is expected to be impactful due to his vast experience in both civil and constitutional law.

What the Chief Justice of India does

The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judge in the country. The CJI decides which cases will be heard by the court and leads benches of judges in important cases. The CJI also plays a role in the appointment of judges and judicial reforms.

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FAQs

1. Who is the current Chief Justice of India in 2025?
Justice BR Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

2. When did Justice Gavai take the oath as CJI?
He took the oath on May 14, 2025.

3. How long will Justice Gavai serve as CJI?
He will serve until November 23, 2025.

4. Why is Justice Gavai’s appointment significant?
He is the second Dalit to become CJI, marking a major moment for social representation in the judiciary.