India gets its first Buddhist Chief Justice as BR Gavai takes oath

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on Wednesday, making history as the first Buddhist to lead the country’s judiciary and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to rise to this position. As such, his elevation marks a significant step toward greater representation and inclusivity within the Indian legal system.

Justice Gavai, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, succeeded Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His term will run until November 23, 2025.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of PM Modi, following his official appointment under Article 124(2) of the Constitution. The Ministry of Law and Justice has already issued the notification confirming the appointment.



Since joining the Supreme Court in May 2019, Justice Gavai has built a notable record.

Over the past six years, he has served on nearly 700 benches and delivered close to 300 judgments. His judicial contributions span a wide spectrum—ranging from constitutional and administrative matters to civil, criminal, commercial, and environmental law.

Moreover, Justice Gavai will bring to the office a strong legacy of landmark rulings.

He has been part of Constitution Benches that upheld the Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370, struck down the electoral bonds scheme, and validated the 2016 demonetisation initiative.

His name is also associated with several high-profile decisions—granting bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia in a money laundering case, staying Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in the defamation case concerning the “Modi” surname, and approving regular bail for civil rights activist Teesta Atul Setalvad in a case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots.

In addition, he was also on benches that passed strong directions against the use of bulldozers for demolitions, reinforcing legal safeguards against arbitrary state action.

How is the Chief Justice of India selected?

The CJI must meet specific constitutional and professional criteria to be fit for the position and thereon, be considered for it.

A candidate must be an Indian citizen and have served as a judge in a High Court for at least five years or practiced as an advocate in a High Court for at least ten years. Alternatively, under special circumstances, the President may appoint a distinguished jurist to the role.

Meanwhile, the process of appointing a Chief Justice is guided by established convention and constitutional provisions.

Traditionally, the outgoing CJI recommends the next Chief Justice, based on seniority among the judges of the Supreme Court. The Collegium—comprising the senior-most judges of the apex court—then formally endorses the recommendation. The final appointment is made by the President of India, based on this advice.