Justice BR Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India; Second Dalit to Hold the Post

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, effective May 14, 2025, following the retirement of incumbent CJI Sanjiv Khanna on May 13.

Justice Gavai, born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, began his legal career in 1985 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019. He will serve as CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025.

Notably, Justice Gavai will be the second Chief Justice of India from the Scheduled Caste community, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.

His appointment underscores ongoing efforts to enhance representation and diversity within the Indian judiciary.