• Source:JND
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Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is all set to take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025. A respected figure in the judiciary, he has been part of several landmark decisions, including the historic verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 and the ruling that upheld the Centre’s 2016 demonetisation move.

Justice Gavai also played a crucial role in the high-profile contempt case involving advocate Prashant Bhushan. With a rich background in constitutional law and decades of judicial experience, his elevation marks a significant moment in India’s legal landscape.

Born on 24 November 1960 in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal practice in 1985. He started his journey under the mentorship of the late Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and High Court Judge, before establishing his own practice at the Bombay High Court in 1987. His expertise lies in constitutional and administrative law, having represented various civic and educational institutions, including the Nagpur and Amravati Municipal Corporations, Amravati University, and several government-run bodies such as SICOM and DCVL.

Key Milestones in Justice BR Gavai’s Career

Here are five facts about Justice Gavai’s professional journey:

- Public Service: In August 1992, he was appointed as an Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. By 2000, he had risen to the position of Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the same bench.

- Judicial Appointments: On 14 November 2003, Justice Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court. He was confirmed as a permanent judge in 2005 and went on to serve at various benches including Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.

- Supreme Court Elevation: On 24 May 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court, where he has played a role in several landmark judgments.

- Upcoming CJI Term: Justice Gavai will take charge as Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025, and is expected to serve until his retirement on 23 November 2025.

- Representation of Marginalised Communities: Justice Gavai’s appointment is particularly significant as he will be one of the few CJIs from the Scheduled Caste community, symbolising a step forward in judicial diversity and inclusion.

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Justice BR Gavai’s Major Judgments

Justice Gavai has been part of some of the most impactful decisions in recent legal history:

1. Demonetisation Case (2023): He supported the majority view in upholding the legality of the Centre’s 2016 demonetisation move.

2. Article 370 Verdict: As part of a five-judge Constitution Bench, he played a key role in the ruling on the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

3. Contempt Case Against Prashant Bhushan: Justice Gavai was involved in the proceedings of this high-profile case concerning free speech and judicial criticism.

Beyond the courtroom, Justice Gavai also holds crucial administrative roles:

- He currently serves as the Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur.

- He is the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), actively working to enhance legal education and improve access to justice across the country.