Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu. 

Key Points

• Historic Appointment: Justice Gavai is the first Buddhist and only the second individual from the Scheduled Castes to hold the position of Chief Justice of India, following Justice K. G. Balakrishnan. 
• Tenure: He will serve a tenure of six months, retiring on November 23, 2025. 
• Judicial Career: Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985 and was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. 
• Notable Judgments: He has been part of several landmark rulings, including the verdicts on the abrogation of Article 370 and the upholding of the 2016 demonetisation decision. 
• Personal Background: Justice Gavai is the son of R. S. Gavai, a noted social activist and politician who served as the Governor of multiple states and was a member of both Houses of Parliament. 
• Justice Gavai's appointment is seen as a significant step towards greater representation and inclusivity within the Indian judiciary.