Special Correspondent
New Delhi: In a formal swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai assumed office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office, marking the beginning of his six-month tenure at the helm of the Indian judiciary. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was present at the event to extend his congratulations.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, members of the Union Cabinet, and leading figures from the legal fraternity.
Justice Gavai’s legal journey began in 1985 as a practicing lawyer at the Bombay High Court. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the court in 2003 and became a permanent judge two years later. His elevation to the Supreme Court came in 2019, where he has since been involved in numerous landmark verdicts. Notably, he was on the bench that upheld the 2016 demonetisation decision and contributed to the striking down of the electoral bonds scheme. He has authored nearly 300 judgments, including several by Constitution Benches addressing fundamental rights.
Justice Gavai is only the second Dalit to occupy the office of Chief Justice of India, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. His father, R.S. Gavai, was a distinguished politician and governor of multiple states, and also led the Republican Party of India (Gavai faction).
Legal luminaries lauded Justice Gavai’s elevation. Senior advocate and MP Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi described him as a “pragmatic and result-driven jurist” with a commanding presence and a measured sense of humour. “I just wish he had a longer tenure,” Singhvi remarked.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta commended Justice Gavai for his humility and legal acumen. “He is the embodiment of modesty – deeply insightful yet grounded. His impartiality and independent thinking have left a lasting imprint on Indian law,” Mehta said, further noting that Justice Gavai reflects the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar through both his conduct and contribution to the judiciary.
Justice Gavai’s appointment is widely viewed as a progressive step for judicial inclusivity and a significant moment in the evolving landscape of Indian justice.
