Do You Know? India’s New Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai Has Deep-Rooted Connection With Maharashtra's Amravati

New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on Wednesday. But do you know? Justice Gavai has a deep-rooted connection with Maharashtra. The newly appointed CJI hails from Amravati in Maharashtra, a link that has sparked immense celebration in his hometown. Following his swearing-in as CJI on May 14, 2025, locals in Amravati reportedly marked the occasion with fireworks, sweets and heartfelt jubilation.

1st Buddhist To Hold CJI Post

Justice Gavai is notably the first Buddhist to become the Chief Justice of India and only the second CJI from the Scheduled Caste community, after Justice K. G. Balakrishnan. The swearing-in ceremony held in Delhi was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and several senior government officials.

About Justice B R Gavai

Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Justice Gavai comes from a socially committed family. His father, Ramkrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent leader in the Ambedkarite movement and a respected political figure. The eldest of three siblings, Bhushan Gavai, inherited a legacy of social responsibility and justice early in life.

He began his legal career in 1985 at the age of just 25. After working briefly in Mumbai, he moved to Nagpur, where he rose through the legal ranks, first as an additional government advocate and later as the principal government advocate at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. His judicial journey eventually led him to Delhi, where he served with distinction as a judge of the Supreme Court before his elevation to the Chief Justice’s post.

The Union government had earlier issued an official notification confirming his appointment, following a recommendation made by outgoing CJI Sanjiv Khanna on April 20. Justice Gavai’s tenure as CJI will last for about six months, concluding with his retirement in November 2025.