New Delhi, May 15, 2025 – Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. As the first Buddhist and the second Dalit CJI after Justice KG Balakrishnan, his appointment marks a historic milestone for India’s judiciary. With a tenure until November 23, 2025, Justice Gavai steps into the role with a reputation as a “daredevil judge” and a deep commitment to constitutional values, particularly inspired by Dr. BR Ambedkar. His elevation signals a renewed focus on addressing injustice, with several high-stakes constitutional and social justice matters awaiting his leadership.

A Legacy Rooted in Social Justice

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai hails from a family steeped in the Ambedkarite movement. His father, Ramkrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent leader and parliamentarian. Growing up in a slum in Amravati’s Frezarpura locality, Justice Gavai’s journey to the apex court is a testament to resilience and dedication. “It is solely due to Dr. BR Ambedkar’s efforts that someone like me, who studied in a semi-slum area at a municipal school, could attain this position,” he said in a 2024 speech, concluding with “Jai Bhim,” a salute to Ambedkar’s legacy.

Justice Gavai’s judicial career began in 2003 as a judge of the Bombay High Court, followed by his elevation to the Supreme Court in May 2019. Over the past six years, he has been part of approximately 700 benches, authoring over 200 judgments spanning constitutional, criminal, administrative, and environmental law. His rulings reflect a balance between individual rights and institutional integrity, earning him praise for bold and principled decisions.

Key Judgments: A Track Record of Confronting Injustice

Justice Gavai’s judicial philosophy emphasizes due process and fairness, particularly in cases involving marginalized communities and state overreach. Notable judgments include:

• NewsClick Case (2024): Leading a bench that declared the arrest of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha illegal under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) due to the failure to provide grounds for arrest, reinforcing procedural safeguards.
• Manish Sisodia Bail (2024): Granting bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case, setting a precedent for other accused in the same case and highlighting judicial scrutiny of prolonged detentions.
• Scheduled Caste Sub-Classification (2024): As part of a Constitution bench, he supported the permissibility of sub-classification within Scheduled Castes, advocating for the application of the creamy layer principle to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
• Bulldozer Actions: His bench condemned and laid down stringent norms to curb demolitions without due process, addressing concerns about arbitrary state actions targeting specific communities.
• Environmental and Constitutional Matters: Justice Gavai has passed orders protecting forests, wildlife, and trees, while also contributing to landmark rulings on reservations and administrative law, such as the prospective application of the 2006 M. Nagaraj judgment on SC/ST promotions.

These rulings underscore his commitment to upholding constitutional rights and curbing injustices, whether perpetrated by state mechanisms or societal inequities.

Immediate Challenges: Addressing Injustice on a Constitutional Scale

As CJI, Justice Gavai faces a packed docket of politically sensitive and constitutionally significant cases. His priorities, as outlined in a recent interview, include tackling three-judge bench matters and constitutional issues that could reduce case pendency and impact thousands of cases. Key challenges include:

• Waqf (Amendment) Act and Waqf Act, 1995: Justice Gavai will lead a bench to determine the constitutional validity of these laws, a matter with profound implications for minority rights and property disputes.
• President’s Reference on Bill Assents: One of his first tasks is addressing President Droupadi Murmu’s reference under Article 143(1), seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether deadlines can be set for governors and the President to assent to bills passed by state assemblies. This follows tensions between the executive and judiciary, sparked by a recent ruling by a two-judge bench. A Constitution bench of at least five judges will be constituted to address the President’s 14 queries, testing Justice Gavai’s ability to navigate complex federal dynamics.
• Judicial Integrity and Public Trust: Recent corruption allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma have dented the judiciary’s image. Justice Gavai has emphasized restoring public confidence, stating that the Supreme Court cannot remain aloof when the country faces challenges.
• Pending Constitutional Matters: Cases involving the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and other laws with significant civil liberties implications are pending, requiring careful adjudication to balance security and individual rights.

A Vision for the Future

Justice Gavai’s tenure, though brief at six months, is poised to leave a lasting impact. His focus on reducing case pendency and addressing systemic issues aligns with his reputation for efficiency and fairness. His historic appointment as the first Buddhist CJI, coinciding closely with Buddha Purnima, adds cultural resonance to his leadership, reflecting principles of compassion and justice.

Legal experts and advocates expect Justice Gavai to prioritize inclusivity, with the Supreme Court Collegium under his leadership likely to push for more representation from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, and women in judicial appointments. His controversial remark about “freebies” creating a “class of parasites” has sparked debate, but his broader judicial record suggests a nuanced approach to social welfare and economic policy.

Conclusion

As Justice BR Gavai assumes the mantle of India’s 52nd CJI, the nation watches closely. His journey from a Maharashtra slum to the Supreme Court’s top seat embodies the transformative power of constitutional ideals. With landmark cases on his docket and a legacy of bold rulings, Justice Gavai is well-positioned to tackle injustice, strengthen judicial independence, and uphold the rule of law. His tenure promises to be a defining chapter in India’s judicial history, guided by the principles of Dr. BR Ambedkar and a commitment to a just society.

For updates on Justice Gavai’s tenure and key rulings, stay tuned to our portal.