Who is B.R. Gavai ? Know About the 2nd Dalit Who Become Chief Justice of India

India is set to witness a historic moment as Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai prepares to assume office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) in May 2025. His appointment not only continues the tradition of judicial excellence but also marks a powerful step forward in social inclusion, as he becomes only the second Dalit ever to hold the country’s top judicial post.

A Journey of Determination and Grit

Justice Gavai's journey is inspirational. Coming from a modest family in Nagpur and studying in a municipal school in a semi-slum area, his rise through the judicial ranks embodies the transformative power of education and opportunity. He has credited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for paving the way for individuals from marginalized communities.

“It is solely due to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s efforts that someone like me, who studied in a semi-slum area at a municipal school, could attain this position,”
— Justice Gavai on Ambedkar Jayanti 2024

Only the Second Dalit CJI in Indian History

Justice Gavai follows the legacy of Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who became the first Dalit Chief Justice of India in 2007. Their appointments represent major milestones in India’s journey toward equal representation in top constitutional institutions.

According to a report by NDTV, Justice Gavai will take oath as the Chief Justice on May 14, 2025, succeeding current CJI D.Y. Chandrachud.

Notable Judicial Contributions

Justice Gavai has served on several important Supreme Court benches, including:

• The constitutional bench on Article 370, which upheld the abrogation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status

• The Electoral Bonds case, where the scheme was declared unconstitutional

• The verdict on demonetization, supporting the legality of the 2016 economic move

You can read more in Bar & Bench’s profile on Justice Gavai.

Advocate for Digital Justice

Justice Gavai has been a consistent advocate for technology in judiciary. In August 2024, he inaugurated India’s first fully digital court for Negotiable Instruments Act cases in Kerala. As reported by LiveLaw, he stated that “technology makes justice easily accessible.”

Champion of Judicial Ethics

Justice Gavai has emphasized the importance of judicial ethics. He has cautioned judges against public praise of political figures, warning that such behavior weakens public trust in the judiciary. He has also spoken against careerism in the judiciary, urging a greater focus on the timely disposal of cases.

Role at NALSA

Since November 2024, Justice Gavai has been serving as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), where he works to ensure free legal aid reaches underprivileged communities. Visit nalsa.gov.in to learn more about ongoing initiatives under his leadership.

A Symbol of Hope and Progress

Justice Gavai’s upcoming tenure as CJI represents not just a professional milestone but a symbolic breakthrough for Dalit representation in the judiciary. His journey from a municipal school in Nagpur to India’s highest judicial office is a real-world embodiment of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision—a judiciary that is inclusive, accessible, and just.