Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai Takes Oath as 52nd Chief Justice of India, Makes History as First Buddhist CJI

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New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in Indian judicial history. He is the first Buddhist to hold the top judicial post in the country. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in the presence of top constitutional dignitaries and legal luminaries.

Justice Gavai succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and will serve as the head of the judiciary until November 23, 2025.

Known for his humility and firm constitutional grounding, Justice Gavai has made it clear that he will not take up any post-retirement assignments. When asked about any future political ambitions, especially in light of his father’s legacy, he said bluntly, “No political ambitions. I have decided not to take any post-retirement assignments or post. Any other assignment is also below CJI post, Governor is also below CJI post.”

Justice Gavai is the son of late R.S. Gavai, a veteran Ambedkarite leader and former Governor of Bihar and Kerala. A deeply respected figure in Maharashtra’s social-political landscape, R.S. Gavai was also a Member of Parliament and staunch follower of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Justice Gavai has often spoken of his family’s commitment to Ambedkarite values.

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati district of Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career on March 16, 1985, practicing at the Bombay High Court and its Nagpur Bench. His rise through the judiciary has been marked by significant milestones: he was appointed Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench in 2000, became an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003, and was made a permanent Judge in 2005.

He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019, and over the last six years has contributed to over 700 benches, handling an extensive range of matters including constitutional law, criminal law, civil disputes, arbitration, environmental law, and more.

Despite his busy career, Justice Gavai continues to remain rooted in his origins. He often returns to his native village in Amravati three times a year—on his father’s birth and death anniversaries, and during the local annual fair.

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