Justice B.R. Gavai takes oath as 52nd Chief Justice of India

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

New Delhi, May 14: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, following the retirement of Justice Sanjiv Khanna. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Gavai at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.

In a significant moment in the country’s judicial history, Justice Gavai becomes the first Buddhist and only the second individual from the Dalit community—after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan in 2007—to ascend to the nation’s highest judicial position. His appointment is also seen as symbolically important for the representation of marginalized communities in the judiciary.

Appointed to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai has contributed to nearly 700 benches over six years. His judgments span a wide range of legal domains, including constitutional law, criminal law, civil disputes, arbitration, education, environment, and commercial matters.

Justice Gavai is scheduled to retire on November 23, 2025.