Chief Justice of India: Justice BR Gavai Becomes the 52nd CJI in 2025

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The Chief Justice of India holds the highest judicial position in the country, playing a pivotal role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law is upheld. As the head of the Supreme Court of India, the Chief Justice leads the judiciary in safeguarding citizens’ rights and maintaining the balance of power. As of 2025, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai serves as the Chief Justice of India, having assumed office on May 14, 2025. His appointment holds historical significance as he is the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to occupy this esteemed position, succeeding Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.

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The Chief Justice of India commands not only legal but also moral authority and must guide the judiciary through times of societal change, public scrutiny, and legal complexity. Justice Gavai will serve a six-month term, with his retirement scheduled for November 23, 2025.

His leadership comes at a crucial time when the Indian judiciary faces calls for reform and greater transparency.

Chief Justice of India 2025: Justice BR Gavai Takes Charge

Justice B.R. Gavai took oath as the Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025 and will serve until November 23, 2025. Although his tenure spans just six months, it holds deep symbolic and historic significance. He is the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to assume the office, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan (2007–2010).

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Justice Gavai belongs from Maharashtra and he began his legal practice in 1985 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. Known for his balanced judgments and commitment to social justice, his appointment comes at a crucial time when the judiciary is under increasing public scrutiny.

New Chief Judge of India: Powers and Responsibilities

As the new chief judge of India, Justice Gavai shoulders significant responsibilities:

• Judicial Duties: Allocates cases, forms constitutional benches, and presides over key hearings.
• Administrative Functions: Manages the court roster, oversees the registry, and supervises judicial appointments within the judiciary.
• Advisory Role: Acts as a key advisor to the President and other constitutional bodies on legal matters.

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In exceptional circumstances, the Chief Justice of India may serve as the Acting President of India if both the President and Vice President’s offices are simultaneously vacant, in accordance with the President (Discharge of Functions) Act, 1969.

Chief Justice of India Appointment Process and Role

The appointment of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is primarily guided by the principle of seniority, though it is not a constitutional requirement. Under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, the President appoints the CJI, typically based on the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice and in consultation with senior judges of the Supreme Court.

While the seniority convention is generally followed, there have been rare exceptions. In 1973, Justice A.N. Ray was appointed Chief Justice by superseding three more senior judges. Again in 1977, Justice M.H. Beg was chosen over Justice H.R. Khanna, breaking the seniority norm and sparking controversy.

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The Chief Justice holds office until the age of 65, unless removed earlier through a parliamentary process for proven misbehavior or incapacity. Beyond presiding over constitutional benches and key cases, the CJI also undertakes significant administrative duties. These include allocation of cases, supervision of the Supreme Court registry, appointment of court officers, and oversight of legal education institutions such as the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) and National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi).

Chief Justice of India Removal and Tenure

Once appointed, the Chief Justice of India holds office until the age of 65. There is no fixed tenure. Removal is only possible through a parliamentary impeachment process under Article 124(4) for “proven misbehavior or incapacity.” This strict clause ensures judicial independence.

Justice BR Gavai: Profile of the 52nd Chief Justice of India

• Name: Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
• Sworn in as: 52nd Chief Justice of India
• Tenure: May 14, 2025 – November 23, 2025
• Unique Achievements:
  • First Buddhist CJI
  • Second Dalit CJI
• Career Highlights:
  • Started practice in 1985
  • Elevated to Bombay High Court in 2003
  • Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019

Justice Gavai is recognized for his inclusive legal philosophy and a strong emphasis on equality, which will define his term as the Chief Justice of India.

Who Is the Current Chief Justice of India?

Currently, Justice Bhushan R. Gavai serves as the Chief Justice of India. His appointment underscores the growing emphasis on representation and diversity within the judiciary. With his tenure set to conclude in November 2025, he is poised to preside over significant hearings and landmark decisions that could influence the constitutional landscape of the country.

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List of Chief Justice of India From 1950–2025

Since independence, the Supreme Court has had a series of illustrious leaders. From H.J. Kania, the first Chief Justice of India, to Justice Gavai in 2025, each tenure has contributed to India’s legal evolution.  

Chief Justice of India Notable Highlights

• Longest-serving CJI: Y. V. Chandrachud served for more than seven years, from 1978 to 1985.
• Shortest tenure: K. N. Singh served for just 17 days in 1991.
• First Dalit CJI: K. G. Balakrishnan (2007–2010).
• First Sikh CJI: J. S. Khehar (2017).
• First CJI from Northeast India: Ranjan Gogoi (2018–2019).
• Father-son duo: Y. V. Chandrachud and D. Y. Chandrachud both served as CJIs.
• First Buddhist CJI: Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took office on 14 May 2025.

Chief Justices of India Historical Deviations in Appointments

Though seniority is the convention, this tradition was notably broken in 1973 and 1977. Justice A.N. Ray and Justice Mirza Hameedullah Beg were appointed superseding more senior judges. These exceptions underscore the political and institutional complexities involved in appointing the Chief Justice of India.

• Justice A. N. Ray (1973): Appointed superseding three senior judges, which caused controversy during the Emergency era.
• Justice Ranjan Gogoi (2018): The first Chief Justice of India from Northeast India. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha after retirement.
• Justice U. U. Lalit (2022): Among the rare Chief Justices directly elevated from the Bar.

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Chief Justices of India Acting as President

• Under the President (Discharge of Functions) Act, 1969, the Chief Justice of India can assume the role of Acting President if both the President and Vice President positions are vacant.
• Justice M. Hidayatullah served as Acting President of India from July to August 1969 following the resignation of V. V. Giri.
• According to Article 65 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice of India may act as President when both the offices of President and Vice President are vacant.

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Chief Justices of India Salary

The Parliament decides the salary and benefits of the Chief Justice of India, as per the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. Periodic revisions are made based on recommendations of Pay Commissions.

As of 2024, the Chief Justice of India receives a monthly salary of ₹2,80,000, along with additional perks such as:

• Rent-free residence
• Staff and domestic help
• Security and transport facilities

Post-retirement, CJIs are entitled to a pension, travel allowance, and other benefits under the Supreme Court Judges Rules.

Conclusion

The Chief Justice of India is not just a position, it is the embodiment of India’s legal spirit. Justice B.R. Gavai’s term, though brief, continues this proud tradition. As the judiciary faces modern challenges, the leadership of the Chief Justice remains crucial in preserving the values of justice, equality, and the Constitution.

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Chief Justice of India FAQs

Who is the current Chief Justice of India (as of May 2025)?

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is the current Chief Justice of India.

Who is the 52nd Chief Justice of India?

Justice B. R. Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

What is the salary of the Chief Justice of India?

The salary of CJI is ₹2,80,000 per month (as per 2024 figures).

Who was the first CJI?

Harilal J. Kania was the first Chief Justice of India.

How is the Chief Justice of India appointed?

The President of India appoints the Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the outgoing CJI, following the seniority rule among Supreme Court judges.

Can a Chief Justice of India become the President of India?

While rare, a Chief Justice can serve as Acting President if both the President and Vice-President's offices are vacant, as per Article 65 of the Constitution (e.g., Justice M. Hidayatullah in 1969).

Who was the longest-serving Chief Justice of India?

Justice Y. V. Chandrachud served the longest tenure—from 1978 to 1985—totaling over 7 years.