Justice B.R. Gavai Sworn In as 52nd Chief Justice of India

New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday, in a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries.

Justice Gavai will serve as the CJI for a tenure of over six months, demitting office on November 23, 2025. His appointment to the highest judicial office in the country was cleared by the Centre on April 29, following a recommendation from then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from May 14, 2025,” stated a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

Justice Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. Over the past six years, he has been part of nearly 700 Benches, delivering judgments across a wide range of legal matters including constitutional law, civil and criminal cases, commercial disputes, arbitration, and environmental issues. He has authored around 300 judgments, many of them upholding the rule of law and reinforcing the legal and fundamental rights of citizens.

Justice Gavai began his judicial career as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003 and became a permanent judge in November 2005. Prior to his elevation, he was an advocate specializing in constitutional and administrative law, and served as Standing Counsel for several civic bodies and educational institutions in Maharashtra.

He also served as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court from 1992 to 1993, and later as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor from January 17, 2000.

Justice Gavai’s appointment marks a significant moment for India’s judiciary, continuing a legacy of judicial excellence and commitment to upholding the Constitution.