**Justice Gavai Sworn in as India’s 52nd Chief Justice**
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has officially taken the oath of office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking a significant milestone as the first Buddhist to hold this prestigious position and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to ascend to the highest judicial office in the country. His appointment is not only historic but also symbolizes the judiciary’s commitment to inclusivity and constitutional values. Justice Gavai will serve as CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025, and his leadership will be closely observed for both the judgments he renders and the legacy he establishes.
Throughout his career, Justice Gavai has been a member of several pivotal benches that have issued landmark rulings, including those that condemned the use of bulldozers in unlawful demolitions and established strict guidelines to prevent such actions. He played a crucial role in the Constitution Bench that delivered significant verdicts, such as:
– Upholding the abrogation of Article 370 by the Central Government
– Striking down the electoral bonds scheme
– Affirming the Centre’s 2016 demonetization initiative
Notably, a bench led by Justice Gavai granted bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case, setting a precedent for other defendants in similar situations. He also presided over the bench that stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in the defamation case concerning the Modi surname and granted regular bail to civil rights activist Teesta Atul Setalvad in connection with the 2002 Godhra riots.
Justice Gavai was born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati and began his legal career on March 16, 1985. He practiced independently at the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990 before primarily appearing before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. His roles included serving as Standing Counsel for various municipal corporations and as an Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench.
He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and became a permanent judge on November 12, 2005. Justice Gavai has presided over benches addressing a wide array of legal matters at the Principal Seat in Mumbai and at the Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji benches. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
In the past six years, Justice Gavai has participated in approximately 700 benches, addressing diverse issues including constitutional law, administrative law, civil law, criminal law, commercial disputes, arbitration, electricity, education, and environmental law. He has authored around 300 judgments, reinforcing the rule of law and protecting the fundamental, human, and legal rights of citizens.
As Justice Gavai embarks on his tenure as Chief Justice, the legal community and the public will be keenly watching his decisions and the impact they will have on the Indian judiciary.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of Justice Gavai’s appointment as CJI?**
Justice Gavai’s appointment is significant as he is the first Buddhist to serve as Chief Justice of India and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to hold this position, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
