New Delhi, May 14, 2025 – In a momentous ceremony held at the iconic Ganatantra Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. The oath of office was administered by the Hon’ble President of India, following the established constitutional procedure. The event took place at 10:00 AM, marking the formal elevation of Justice Gavai to the nation’s highest judicial office.
A Ceremony Marking Judicial Transition
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering comprising the Vice President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Supreme Court judges, and senior legal luminaries. The grandeur of the Ganatantra Mandap offered a fitting backdrop for the occasion, underlining the significance of India’s constitutional democracy and the central role of the judiciary.
The Chief Justice-designate arrived at the venue in ceremonial attire and was received with full state honours. The President formally administered the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India and office of the Chief Justice, thereby completing the official transition of leadership in the apex court.
Background and Legal Career
Born on November 24, 1961, Justice Bhushan Gavai holds a B.Com. and LL.B. from Nagpur University. He enrolled as an advocate in 1985, and over the course of a distinguished legal career spanning four decades, he has emerged as a jurist deeply respected for his judicial temperament and command over constitutional law.
Justice Gavai began his career as a government pleader and additional government advocate at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, where he handled several significant cases involving civil, constitutional, and service matters. He was elevated to the Bombay High Court in 2003, and later to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
During his tenure on the apex bench, he has authored landmark rulings on electoral reforms, environmental law, reservation policies, and personal liberty. His judgments are marked by legal clarity, social sensitivity, and a consistent adherence to constitutional principles.
Second Dalit Chief Justice in India’s History
Justice Gavai’s appointment is also historically significant—he is only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes (Dalit) community to become the Chief Justice of India, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served from 2007 to 2010.
His elevation is a progressive step towards inclusivity and representation of marginalized communities in the highest echelons of the Indian judiciary. Justice Gavai has often spoken about the importance of equality, access to justice, and strengthening public faith in the judiciary.
Tenure and Expected Priorities
Justice Gavai’s tenure as Chief Justice is expected to span until November 2025, during which he will oversee critical judicial and administrative functions. Some of the key areas of focus are expected to include:
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Judicial Backlog Reduction: Accelerating hearings and case disposal through digital courts and simplified procedures.
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Digital Transformation: Strengthening the digital infrastructure of courts to ensure transparency and accessibility.
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Judicial Reforms: Promoting transparency in judicial appointments, case listing, and verdict timelines.
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Access to Justice: Enhancing legal aid and outreach, particularly for vulnerable and economically weaker sections.
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Institutional Independence: Preserving the independence of the judiciary in the face of growing political polarization.
His leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Supreme Court remains a custodian of constitutional morality, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with complex socio-political challenges.
Tributes and Good Wishes to Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
Congratulatory messages poured in from across the nation and legal fraternity. Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes via social media, stating:
“Congratulations to Justice Bhushan Gavai on taking oath as the Chief Justice of India. His experience and commitment to constitutional principles will guide the judiciary towards a stronger and more inclusive future.”
Bar associations, senior advocates, and law students alike expressed hope that his tenure will uphold judicial integrity, inclusiveness, and equitable justice.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the Chief Justice of India is a milestone that reinforces the values of democracy, inclusivity, and the rule of law. As he assumes the mantle of leading the Indian judiciary, the expectations are high for progressive jurisprudence, greater efficiency, and the strengthening of public trust in the judicial system. His journey—from the courts of Nagpur to the apex bench—is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Indian Constitution.
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