On May 14, 2025, Justice BR Gavai took the oath of office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, marking a historic moment for the Indian judiciary. Justice BR Gavai’s appointment is particularly significant as he becomes the first Buddhist and only the second individual from the Scheduled Castes to hold the esteemed position of CJI, following Justice K. G. Balakrishnan.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several top political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other prominent Union Cabinet ministers. This gathering underscored the importance of the event and highlighted the recognition of Justice BR Gavai's distinguished legal career.
Justice BR Gavai’s rise to the top judicial position is viewed as a step toward greater diversity and representation within India’s judiciary. His appointment is seen as an important moment for marginalized communities, reflecting a broader push for inclusivity in India's legal and political landscape. His tenure is expected to focus on the values of equality, dignity, and social justice, especially for the underprivileged sections of society.
During the ceremony, Justice BR Gavai touched his mother's feet after taking the oath to seek her blessings, a poignant moment that added a deeply personal touch to the historic occasion. This gesture was widely appreciated as a symbol of humility and respect.
Justice BR Gavai's judicial career spans several decades, having held important positions in the legal community before being appointed as the Chief Justice. Throughout his career, he has been known for his fair and unbiased approach, delivering judgments that prioritize justice for all, regardless of social background. His experience and steady leadership are expected to shape the direction of the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence, addressing contemporary legal challenges and reinforcing the institution’s role as the final arbiter of the Constitution.
The appointment of Justice BR Gavai is anticipated to bring new perspectives to the top judicial office, with a focus on social and political justice. Given the six-month tenure, his leadership will influence the court’s approach to a range of pressing issues, including the protection of human rights, upholding democratic values, and tackling legal cases that impact marginalized communities.
Justice BR Gavai’s tenure as CJI is expected to be transformative for the Supreme Court, bringing fresh insights and upholding the ideals of justice that have long been at the core of India's democracy. As the 52nd CJI, he now has the responsibility of leading the highest court of the land, ensuring the delivery of justice for all Indian citizens.
Justice BR Gavai is set to leave a lasting impact on India's judiciary, and his leadership will be closely watched by legal experts, political leaders, and the public. With his commitment to justice and equality, Justice BR Gavai’s tenure as the Chief Justice of India will certainly be remembered as a milestone in the country's judicial history.
