In a moment steeped in history and symbolism, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was on Wednesday sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu.

Justice Gavai’s elevation is momentous — he is the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to hold the country’s highest judicial office, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served as CJI from 2007 to 2010.

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Justice Gavai will hold the office until his retirement on November 23, 2025, giving him a tenure of just over six months — 194 days to be precise. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who demitted office on May 13 after a distinguished career on the bench.

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai hails from a family deeply rooted in Ambedkarite values. His father, R.S. Gavai, was a veteran leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI), a former Lok Sabha MP, and Governor of Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala.

Soon after taking oath, Chief Justice Gavai paid floral tributes at the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Supreme Court, a gesture echoing his long-standing admiration for the architect of India’s Constitution.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, leaders of the opposition, sitting and former judges of the Supreme Court, and several dignitaries.

Known for his humility, clarity of thought, and commitment to social and economic justice, Chief Justice Gavai has outlined his key priorities: addressing the pendency of cases, bolstering judicial infrastructure, diversifying appointments, and safeguarding institutional credibility.

In a recent interview, he made clear that he would not accept any post-retirement position from the government, reaffirming his commitment to judicial independence.

On the eve of his oath, Justice Gavai set out a grounded yet resolute vision for his term, stressing transparency in judicial appointments, access to justice, and constitutional accountability.

Describing case pendency as the “foremost challenge”, he acknowledged that while High Court infrastructure is largely adequate, subordinate courts still face significant gaps.

Against the backdrop of the Justice Yashwant Varma cash recovery episode, Justice Gavai struck a firm note on judicial integrity.

“People come to courts as a last resort. Any breach of integrity hits credibility. Even one black sheep is too many in the judiciary, though we are speaking of a negligible number.”

Amid criticism of judicial overreach in matters such as the Waqf (Amendment) Act and Governor Assent timelines, Justice Gavai remained unfazed.

“Let criticism be. We decide on what’s on record and by the Constitution.”

As he begins his tenure, the expectations are high. Even within a constrained span, Chief Justice Gavai is expected to imprint his tenure with a focus on constitutional morality, judicial efficiency, and strengthening the court’s connection with India’s diverse citizenry.