Justice B.R. Gavai Takes Oath as India’s 52nd and First Buddhist CJI

In a historic moment for India’s judiciary, Justice B.R. Gavai was sworn in on Wednesday as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), becoming the first Buddhist to lead the nation’s highest court. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Following the ceremony, Justice Gavai humbly touched his mother’s feet , a touching gesture reflecting his values and roots. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and a host of dignitaries including former CJIs, sitting Supreme Court and High Court judges.

Justice Gavai replaces Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on 14th May 2025, after holding the office of the 51st CJI since 11th November 2024.

Who is Justice B.R. Gavai?

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai started his legal career on March 16, 1985. Early in his career, he worked under Bar. Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and High Court judge, until 1987.

He then set up his independent legal practice at the Bombay High Court, eventually focusing on the Nagpur Bench, where he gained recognition for his expertise in Constitutional and Administrative Law. He served as standing counsel for multiple public institutions such as:

• Nagpur Municipal Corporation
• Amravati Municipal Corporation
• Amravati University
• And several municipal councils across Vidarbha

He also represented state-linked organisations like SICOM and DCVL. His government service included terms as:

• Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor (Aug 1992 – July 1993)
• Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor (appointed Jan 17, 2000)

Judicial Journey

Justice B.R. Gavai was appointed an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and became a permanent judge on November 12, 2005. He has heard cases at the court’s Principal Seat in Mumbai, and its benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji during his years of service.

He was appointed to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019, and has since then delivered a number of landmark judgments. The elevation of Justice Gavai to CJI is not merely a testimony to his rich legal acumen and longtime contribution to India’s jurisprudence, but also a resolute move towards inclusivity at the very pinnacle of the judiciary.