Justice B.R. Gavai to Take Oath as 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice B.R. Gavai will be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first Buddhist to head the Indian judiciary. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office. Justice Gavai succeeds outgoing Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

His appointment was made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the Chief Justice of India. The Ministry of Law and Justice later issued the formal notification.

Justice Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. Over the past six years, he has served on nearly 700 benches, dealing with a wide range of legal matters including constitutional and administrative law, civil and criminal cases, commercial disputes, arbitration, environmental issues, education, and electricity laws.

He has authored approximately 300 judgments, many of which have upheld the Constitution, reinforced the rule of law, and protected the fundamental, legal, and human rights of citizens. Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court beginning November 12, 2005, and presided over benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.

Justice Gavai is the son of former Bihar Governor R.S. Gavai. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed pride in becoming the first Buddhist CJI, a path inspired by his father who embraced Buddhism along with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “My father embraced Buddhism with Baba Saheb Ambedkar. I will be the first Buddhist Chief Justice of India,” he noted.

Justice Gavai also emphasized his inclusive spiritual outlook, stating, “I believe in all religions. I go to temples, dargahs, Jain temples, and gurudwaras.”

In a recent interaction with the media, he conveyed sorrow over the tragic Pahalgam incident and remarked that the Supreme Court cannot remain unaffected when the nation is in mourning.