In a significant development in the Indian judiciary, incumbent Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formally recommended Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai as his successor to the top judicial post. The recommendation has been sent to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
Justice Gavai, currently serving as a judge of the Supreme Court, is set to assume office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, a day after Justice Khanna demits office upon attaining the age of superannuation.
Chief Justice Khanna, who was sworn in as the 51st CJI in November 2024 following the retirement of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, will complete his tenure of six months on May 13. His recommendation follows the established convention of seniority, whereby the outgoing Chief Justice names the most senior judge of the Supreme Court as their successor.
As per procedure, the Law Ministry will now forward the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who in turn will advise the President of India to make the formal appointment.
Justice B.R. Gavai, upon assuming office, will become the second Chief Justice of India from a Scheduled Caste background and the fourth Dalit to hold the position in the history of the Supreme Court.
Justice Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. Prior to that, he served as a judge of the Bombay High Court. Known for his legal acumen and administrative competence, he is scheduled to serve as CJI until November 23, 2025.
