India is set to welcome its 52nd Chief Justice. A day before the retirement of current Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Union Ministry of Law proposed Justice B.R. Gavai as his successor.
Justice B.R. Gavai: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, on April 16, 2025, made a key recommendation to the Union Ministry of Law, proposing Justice B.R. Gavai as the next CJI (Chief Justice of India). Justice Gavai will be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025. This change follows the retirement of current Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on May 13, 2025.
Justice Gavai, belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, will be the second CJI from this community. His predecessor, CJI K.G. Balakrishnan, was the first.
Second Chief Justice from the Scheduled Caste Community
Justice B.R. Gavai's appointment is historic, not only judicially but also socially. He will be the second Chief Justice of India from the Scheduled Caste community, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. This event powerfully exemplifies India's inclusive democracy and the judiciary's commitment to diverse representation.
Justice Gavai's Judicial Journey
Hailing from Amravati district, Maharashtra, Justice B.R. Gavai began his legal career in 1985. He worked alongside renowned barrister Raja Bhonsle, a former Advocate General of Maharashtra. In 1992, he was appointed Assistant Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. He became an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of India in 2019, culminating in his ascension to this highest judicial office.
Judicial Ideology and Social Concerns
Justice B.R. Gavai is known for his judicial activism. He recently emphasized the need for judicial balance and adherence to constitutional processes in cases such as 'bulldozer actions'. On April 14, 2025, Baba Saheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary, he stated, "The nation will forever remain indebted to Dr. Ambedkar for the framing of the Constitution. His principles and ideals have united India and propelled it towards progress."
Justice B.R. Gavai's appointment is an inspiring example not only for India but also for democracies worldwide. It demonstrates that diversity, inclusion, and social justice are fundamental to Indian democracy. This move by India will be seen as a powerful symbol on the global stage, particularly for nations striving towards inclusivity.
