Justice BR Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India, Effective May 14, 2025

The President of India has appointed Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), with effect from May 14, 2025. This announcement follows the imminent retirement of the current Chief Justice, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will step down on May 13, 2025.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the appointment in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, it is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Justice of India with effect from 14th May 2025."

Justice Gavai to Make History as Second CJI from Scheduled Caste Community

With his appointment as CJI, Justice Gavai will also make history as the second Chief Justice from the Scheduled Caste community. The first was Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served as the CJI from 2007 to 2010.

Justice Gavai's elevation to the post highlights the ongoing efforts to promote diversity within the highest echelons of the judiciary. His appointment is seen as a milestone for social representation in India’s judiciary.

Justice Gavai’s Tenure and Retirement

Justice Gavai, who has served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India since 2019, will hold the office of CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025. His tenure is expected to be marked by significant judicial decisions and reforms, as he takes the reins of the country’s highest court.

Justice Gavai’s elevation to the CJI's office is a momentous occasion for India’s judicial history and will be closely followed by legal and political observers across the country.