Justice BR Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, making history as the first Buddhist to hold the country’s highest judicial office. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Gavai takes over from CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on Tuesday after serving in the top position since November 11, 2024. After taking the oath, Justice Gavai was seen touching his mother’s feet, a gesture of respect that deeply moved many.
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High-Profile Attendees at the Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Also in attendance were former Chief Justices of India and judges from the Supreme Court and various High Courts.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Retirement
Justice Khanna officially retired on Tuesday, concluding his tenure as the 51st Chief Justice of India. He had been serving in the role since November 11, 2024, and was elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.
Who is Justice BR Gavai?
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice B R Gavai was set to take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14. He began his legal journey on March 16, 1985, working alongside the late Bar. Raja S. Bhonsale—who served as Advocate General and High Court Judge—until 1987.
Early Legal Career and Independent Practice
From 1987 to 1990, he established his independent practice at the Bombay High Court. He later practised primarily at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, focusing on Constitutional and Administrative Law. During this time, he served as Standing Counsel for institutions like the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University. He also regularly represented autonomous organisations and corporations such as SICOM, DCVL, and several Municipal Councils across the Vidarbha region.
Government Appointments and Judicial Elevation
Justice Gavai served as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court from August 1992 to July 1993. On January 17, 2000, he was appointed as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench. His elevation to Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court came on November 14, 2003, and he was made a permanent judge on November 12, 2005.
Extensive Judicial Experience
Nagpur, Aurangabad, Panaji, and Mumbai are the places where Justice Gavai has presided over a wide variety of cases at the highest seat.
Supreme Court Journey
On May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai was appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court of India. His experience, integrity, and vast legal background led to his historic elevation as the Chief Justice of India.
About the Author
Arpit Sharma is a journalism student at Chandigarh University, with a passion for reporting stories that matter. Focused on national security, current affairs, and public awareness, he aims to bring clarity and depth to complex issues.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr's views.
With inputs from agencies
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