Justice BR Gavai Takes the Helm as Chief Justice
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is poised to assume the role of Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who is set to retire today, May 13, 2025. The swearing-in ceremony for Justice Gavai will take place on May 14, officiated by President Droupadi Murmu.
Justice Gavai's tenure as Chief Justice will last approximately six months, concluding in November 2025 when he will reach retirement age.
Background and Education of Justice BR Gavai
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice BR Gavai began his legal career on March 16, 1985. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (B.A.LL.B.) degrees from Nagpur University.
His legal practice commenced at the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990, after which he primarily worked at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, as noted on the Supreme Court's official website.
Career Path in Law and Justice
Justice Gavai has specialized in Constitutional and Administrative Law. He has served as legal counsel for the Municipal Corporations of Nagpur and Amravati, along with Amravati University.
He frequently represented various government entities and organizations, including SICOM, DCVL, and several Municipal Councils in the Vidarbha area.
From August 1992 to July 1993, he held the position of Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench.
On January 17, 2000, he was appointed as the Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench, later becoming an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and a permanent Judge on November 12, 2005.
Justice Gavai has dealt with a wide range of cases, working in the main court in Mumbai and at various Benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.
Significant Cases Involving Justice BR Gavai
Justice Gavai was part of the five-judge Constitution Bench that delivered a landmark ruling supporting the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and facilitated its reorganization.
He also participated in a notable case involving senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan, which addressed critical issues surrounding free speech and judicial accountability.
In another significant ruling, Justice Gavai authored the principal opinion endorsing the government's Demonetisation Scheme introduced in 2016.
