Detailed Table of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai

Aspect	Details
Date of Birth	24 November 1960
Place of Birth	Amravati, Maharashtra
Parents	R.S. Gavai (politician, Governor, MP) and Kamala Gavai
Inspiration	Family inspired by B.R. Ambedkar; followers of Buddhism
Siblings	Brother Rajendra Gavai, a politician
Bar Admission	16 March 1985
Mentorship	Worked with Bar. Raja S. Bhonsale, former Advocate General and Judge of the Bombay High Court
Independent Practice	Practiced at Bombay High Court (1987-1990)
Primary Practice Areas	Constitutional Law and Administrative Law
Regional Focus	Practiced mainly before Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court after 1990
Key Clients	Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Amravati Municipal Corporation, Amravati University
Assistant Government Pleader	August 1992 to July 1993
Government Pleader Appointment	17 January 2000
Elevations	Additional Judge of Bombay High Court (14 November 2003); Permanent Judge (12 November 2005)
Supreme Court Judge	Elevated on 24 May 2019
CJI Appointment	52nd Chief Justice of India (14 May 2025)
Tenure as CJI	14 May 2025 to 23 November 2025
Representation	First Chief Justice of India from the Buddhist community; second Dalit CJI
Historical SC Composition	First time two Buddhist judges (Justice Gavai and Justice Prasanna Varale) served simultaneously
Cases Handled	Around 700 benches covering constitutional, civil, criminal, environmental, and commercial disputes
Judgments Authored	Approximately 300 judgments, including significant Constitution Bench rulings
International Contributions	Attended conferences in Mongolia, U.S.A., U.K., and Kenya; delivered lectures at Columbia and Harvard
Faith and Philosophy	Devoted follower of Buddhism, inspired by the teachings of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Legacy	Advocate for representation, equality, and safeguarding fundamental rights

Born on 24 Nov 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Indian Jurist, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is a pillar of judiciary and has paved a path where there was none in the Indian judicial history. His appointment as the 52nd Chief justice of India(CJI) on 14-5-2025 has created a new benchmark as the first Buddhist CJI and only the second Dalit to have occupied this exalted post after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. His incredible path is a reflection of the adherence to the rule of law, pursuit of justice, and service to the underrepresented.

Early Life and Family Background

Coming into the world to a family that was greatly influenced by the preachings of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Justice Gavai inherited both social commitment and intellect. His father R.S Gavai was a well-known politician and was MP, governor and leader of the Republican party of India (Gavai faction). His mother, Kamala, and his brother, Rajendra Gavai continued to create an environment saturated with activism and public service. Being practicing Buddhists, the family adhered to values of equality and justice which shaped Gavai’s life choices and career path to an extraordinarily deep degree.

Educational and Professional Beginnings

Justice Gavai began his journey of law when he was called to the Bar on the 16th of March, 1985. Under the mentorship of Bar. He acquired his legal skills from a former Advocate General and High Court Judge Raja S. Bhonsale. From 1987 to 1990 he gave independent practice at Bombay High Court but after that narrowed down his practice on Nagpur Bench. His knowledge of constitutional and administrative law earned him the reputation of an outstanding advocate.

During his early career, Gavai represented prestigious institutions such as the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University. His role as standing counsel for these bodies underscored his growing influence in the legal community. Additionally, he appeared regularly for autonomous organizations like SICOM and DCVL, as well as municipal councils across the Vidarbha region.

Ascendancy in the Judiciary

Justice Gavai’s judicial career began with his appointment as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the High Court of Judicature, Nagpur Bench, in August 1992. By 17 January 2000, he ascended to the position of Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench. His dedication and legal acumen led to his elevation as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 14 November 2003. Two years later, on 12 November 2005, he became a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court.

During his tenure at the Bombay High Court, Justice Gavai presided over benches across Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, handling diverse legal matters. His expertise spanned constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, commercial disputes, arbitration, education matters, environmental law, and more. These assignments prepared him for his eventual elevation to the Supreme Court of India on 24 May 2019.

As a judge of the Supreme Court Justice Gavai was part of over 700 benches and also wrote over 300 judgments. His work in constitutional and administrative law established him as a defender of basic rights and human rights, as well as legal rights. Remarkable of his verdicts are those that recognized the rule of law and answered important constitutional issues.

Contributions to the Supreme Court

Among these prestigious institutions that Gavai appeared before in his early profession are Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation and Amravati University. His position as standing counsel of these bodies reinforced his increasing influence in the sphere of law. In addition, he would be seen on regular bases at autonomous offices such as SICOM and DCVL or among municipal councils all over the Vidarbha area.

Judicial Philosophy and Legacy

Justice Gavai’s judicial believes are based on the values of equality, justice and observance of constitution’s value. His landmark rulings have tackled various legal fields ranging from environmental law, education to commercial confrontations. By his choices, he has always fought for the rights of undermined communities and always affirmed the fundamental principles of a democracy.

Global Engagements and Thought Leadership

Justice Gavai’s contributions go beyond the Indian judiciary system. He has been representing India at international conferences held at Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), New York (USA), Cardiff (UK), and Nairobi (Kenya). His lectures in great learning institutions such as Columbia University and Harvard University reflect his thought leadership in constitutional and environmental matters. These associations speak to his dedication in promoting international discourse on the issue of justice and legal reform.

Administrative Roles

Apart from his judicial tasks, the Justice Gavai holds the office of the Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, as well as the ex officio Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority. These roles help him to shape legal education and create access to justice for the underprivileged part of the society.

Representation and Progress

Justice Gavai’s promotion to the apex court is indicative of the development in India’s judiciary. His appointment is one of the major steps taken towards a fair representation of marginalised societies as the month of January 2025 saw the highest number of scheduled caste judges ever in the Supreme court. This milestone is representative of the judiciary’s evolutional view of diversity and inclusion.Personal Life and Values

Rooted in the teachings of Buddhism, Justice Gavai’s personal life reflects his dedication to principles of compassion, equality, and social justice. His upbringing in a family inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar shaped his worldview and fueled his commitment to serving the underrepresented. Despite his professional achievements, he remains deeply connected to his roots and values.

Conclusion

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai’s journey from a young advocate in Amravati to the Chief Justice of India is a story of perseverance, excellence, and commitment to justice. His historic tenure as the 52nd CJI not only cements his legacy but also sets a precedent for greater inclusivity and representation in the Indian judiciary. Through his judgments, administrative roles, and global engagements, Justice Gavai has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape, inspiring future generations to uphold the ideals of justice and equality.