Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai Recommended as 52nd Chief Justice of India by CJI Sanjiv Khanna
NEW DELHI, APRIL 16: In a significant development for the judiciary, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formally recommended the appointment of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as his successor. Justice Gavai, who currently serves as the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, is slated to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India upon the retirement of CJI Khanna on May 13, 2025. The recommendation has been sent to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice in accordance with the established Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) governing judicial appointments.
Justice Gavai is expected to take the oath of office on May 14 and will serve as the CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025, thereby holding the position for a tenure of a little over six months. His elevation comes after a distinguished career that includes several landmark judgments and important constitutional interpretations.
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal journey in 1985. He gained extensive experience as the standing counsel for key civic bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University. His contributions to public service further extended through his appointments as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor from 1992 to 1993, and later as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court starting January 2000.
Justice Gavai was elevated to the Bombay High Court as an Additional Judge on November 14, 2003, and became a permanent judge on November 12, 2005. His elevation to the Supreme Court came on May 24, 2019, and since then he has been part of several Constitution benches that delivered significant verdicts shaping the country’s legal and political landscape.
Notably, Justice Gavai was among the five-judge Constitution bench that upheld the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in December 2023, thus revoking the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir. He also participated in the bench that struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme, a major ruling impacting political financing in India.
Another critical verdict in which Justice Gavai played a decisive role was the 2016 demonetisation case, where the Supreme Court, by a 4:1 majority, upheld the legality of the Centre’s decision to demonetise ₹1,000 and ₹500 currency notes. His legal insight has also shaped judgments on affirmative action, as seen in the seven-judge bench ruling that allowed sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes to target reservations more effectively for the most disadvantaged among them.
Justice Gavai was also part of the bench that ruled that arbitration clauses in unstamped or inadequately stamped agreements remain enforceable, clarifying a long-standing ambiguity in contract law. In another socially impactful ruling, a bench headed by him mandated that no demolition of property should occur without a prior showcause notice, ensuring due process and protecting citizens’ rights across India.
Currently, Justice Gavai heads the bench hearing matters related to environmental conservation, including issues of forest protection, wildlife conservation, and the safeguarding of trees—a reflection of the judiciary’s increasing role in ecological responsibility.
Justice Gavai’s elevation to the post of CJI will mark a continuation of institutional integrity and judicial excellence. His career reflects a strong commitment to constitutional values, balanced jurisprudence, and public service. If appointed, he will bring to the highest judicial office not only his experience and legal acumen but also a deep understanding of the complexities of Indian society, governance, and justice delivery.
