Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is all set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. His name was recommended by the current CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and he is the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court after him.
Justice Gavai will serve as CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025, as the retirement age for Supreme Court judges in India is 65 years.
Here are 5 key facts about Justice BR Gavai that you should know:
1️⃣ Humble Beginnings in Maharashtra
Justice Gavai was born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra. He comes from a family with a legacy of social activism; his father, R.S. Gavai, was a prominent leader and a former Governor of several states. Justice Gavai began his law career in 1985, first working with Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and Judge, before starting his own practice at the Bombay High Court in 1987.
2️⃣ Strong Background in Public Law
Justice Gavai specialized in Constitutional and Administrative Law. He represented numerous civic and educational bodies like Nagpur and Amravati Municipal Corporations, Amravati University, and state-owned firms such as SICOM and DCVL. In 1992, he was appointed Assistant Government Pleader at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court and later became Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor in 2000.
3️⃣ Rise Through the Judiciary
Justice Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and became a Permanent Judge in 2005. He served across various benches, including Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
4️⃣ Key Role in Landmark Judgments
Justice Gavai has been part of many important Constitution Bench verdicts, such as:
- Abrogation of Article 370: In December 2023, he was part of the bench that upheld the Centre’s decision to remove Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.
- Electoral Bonds Verdict: He helped strike down the controversial scheme used for political funding.
- Demonetisation Decision: He was part of the bench that upheld the 2016 move to ban ₹1,000 and ₹500 notes.
5️⃣ A Historic Appointment
Justice Gavai is set to become only the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice K. G. Balakrishnan. His elevation is seen as a significant moment for representation and inclusion in the Indian judiciary.
Justice BR Gavai’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to the highest seat in the Indian judiciary is truly inspiring. With his deep experience and involvement in major legal decisions, he is well-prepared to lead the Supreme Court in the coming months.
Discover more empowering stories and insightful content like this on YOUxTalks, your go-to destination for inspiration and knowledge.
Follow YOUxTalks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youxtalks
