Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in today, May 14, 2025, as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu. His appointment is historic, as he becomes the first Buddhist and only the second individual from the Scheduled Caste community to hold this esteemed position, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served as CJI from 2007 to 2010.

Justice Gavai succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna and is set to serve a term lasting just over six months, concluding on November 23, 2025. His elevation to the Supreme Court occurred on May 24, 2019, after serving in the Bombay High Court.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Piyush Goyal, as well as former President Ram Nath Kovind and several Supreme Court judges.

Justice Gavai’s appointment is seen as a significant step toward enhancing diversity and representation within India’s highest judiciary, reflecting the nation’s commitment to inclusivity.

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