Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, currently the second senior-most judge in the Supreme Court, has been recommended to become the next Chief Justice of India. The recommendation came from Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will retire on May 13. Justice Gavai is set to take oath as the 52nd CJI on May 14, 2025.
A Long Career in the Judiciary
Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985. He was appointed an additional judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and became a permanent judge in 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
Landmark Judgments
Justice Gavai has played a key role in several historic rulings. He was part of the Constitution bench that upheld the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 in 2023. He also helped strike down the electoral bonds scheme and supported the Centre’s 2016 demonetisation decision.
In another significant ruling, he was part of a bench that allowed sub-classification within Scheduled Castes for reservation. He was also on a bench that ruled arbitration clauses in unstamped agreements were valid and enforceable.
Environmental Matters and due process
Justice Gavai has also headed benches addressing issues of forest and wildlife conservation. In one major verdict, his bench ruled that no property should be demolished without a show-cause notice and a 15-day response window.
Procedure and Appointment
According to the memorandum of procedure, the law minister consults with the current CJI to recommend a successor. Seniority is a key factor. Justice Gavai’s appointment follows this established practice, and he will serve as CJI until November 23, 2025, when he turns 65.
(Inputs from PTI)
