Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has formally recommended Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as his successor. He has forwarded the recommendation to the Union Law Ministry for approval. As a result, Justice Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

Oath Ceremony Scheduled for May 14

Justice Gavai is expected to take the oath on May 14. Meanwhile, CJI Khanna will retire on May 13. Therefore, Justice Gavai will assume the top post just a day after Khanna steps down. However, his tenure will be brief, lasting about six months, since he is due to retire in November 2025.

A Landmark Appointment

Importantly, Justice Gavai will become the second Dalit to hold this post after Justice KG Balakrishnan, who was appointed CJI in 2007. Hence, his appointment carries historical significance.

Role in Major Verdicts

So far, Justice Gavai has participated in several important Supreme Court rulings. Notably, he was part of the bench that upheld the Modi government’s 2016 demonetisation move. Additionally, he was involved in the judgment that declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional.

Justice Gavai’s Legal Journey

Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985. Initially, he worked with Raja S Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and High Court Judge. Then, in 1987, he started practicing independently at the Bombay High Court.

Over the years, he specialised in Constitutional and Administrative Law. Moreover, he represented various public institutions, including the Municipal Corporations of Nagpur and Amravati, Amravati University, and government-backed firms like SICOM and DCVL.

Climbing the Legal Ladder

In 1992, he was appointed as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. Later, in 2000, he became the Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the same bench.

Subsequently, in 2003, he was elevated to the post of Additional Judge at the Bombay High Court.

Experience Across Courts

Throughout his career, Justice Gavai served at the Mumbai principal seat and benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji. Eventually, in May 2019, he was promoted to the Supreme Court of India.

Since then, he has played a crucial role in many high-profile and constitutional cases. With this new appointment, he is poised to lead the judiciary during a crucial phase.