Justice B.R. Gavai to Become 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14

In a historic development for the Indian judiciary, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. His appointment comes following the retirement of the current CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demits office on May 13.

Justice Gavai, the second-most senior judge in the Supreme Court, has been recommended for the top post by Chief Justice Khanna in line with the established tradition of seniority. Once approved by the Union government, his appointment will be officially notified.

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985. He was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court and later elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. His tenure as CJI, however, will be relatively brief, as he is due to retire on November 23, 2025, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

Justice Gavai’s appointment is seen as a moment of significant representation and a reaffirmation of constitutional values within India’s top judiciary.