The Supreme Court has formally recommended the name of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), setting the stage for him to become the 52nd Chief Justice once the incumbent, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, retires on May 13, 2025.
As per long-standing convention, the outgoing Chief Justice recommends the senior-most judge in line for the position. Justice Khanna, honoring this tradition, proposed Justice Gavai’s name to the Law Ministry, which had earlier sent a formal request for the recommendation, initiating the appointment process.
A Historic Appointment: Justice Gavai’s Journey
If appointed, Justice Gavai will not only assume the highest judicial office in India but will also mark a significant milestone as only the second Scheduled Caste judge ever to hold the Chief Justice post, following Justice KG Balakrishnan, who retired in 2010.
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Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai is the son of late RS Gavai, a respected social activist and former Governor of Bihar and Kerala. Known for his scholarly depth and integrity, Justice Gavai’s appointment would reflect both judicial seniority and the representation of marginalized communities at the nation’s apex court.
Justice Gavai began his judicial career as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and was made a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
Key Judgments: A Glimpse of Justice Gavai’s Legal Mind
Justice Gavai has been part of several landmark rulings that have shaped contemporary Indian law:
Demonetisation Verdict
Justice Gavai authored the majority opinion in the case challenging the 2016 demonetisation scheme, upholding the Union Government’s power to declare currency invalid and stating that the decision passed the test of proportionality.
Illegal Demolitions Ruling
In another notable judgment, Justice Gavai ruled that demolishing properties of accused individuals without following due legal process is unconstitutional, underscoring that the executive cannot usurp the role of judge, jury, and executioner.
Electoral Bonds Verdict
Justice Gavai also served on the Constitution Bench examining the Electoral Bond Scheme, a case critical to the ongoing debate over transparency in political funding.
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Justice Gavai is expected to take the oath of office on May 14, 2025, but his tenure will be notably short — lasting only six months until November 2025, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65. Despite the brevity, his elevation is being widely hailed for its symbolic and social significance.
Reactions and Significance
Legal experts and civil rights advocates have called Justice Gavai’s likely appointment a progressive and historic step toward inclusivity within the Indian judiciary.
Justice Gavai’s journey from the Bombay High Court to the pinnacle of Indian judiciary, combined with his principled judgments, showcases a distinguished career devoted to constitutional integrity and social justice.
The Law Ministry is expected to process the recommendation promptly, paving the way for Justice Gavai’s oath-taking ceremony shortly after Justice Khanna’s retirement.
