He replaced outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud, who retired on 13 May. Gavai will serve a short term of 6 months and retire on 23 November.
A Historic first
Gavai is the first Buddhist to hold India’s highest judicial position. Born in 1960 in Amravati, Maharashtra, Gavai hails from a family with political roots. His father, RS Gavai, served as Governor and parliamentarian.
Career snapshot
Gavai began practising law in 1985 at the Bombay High Court. He was appointed as a judge of the Bombay HC in 2003. In 2019, he rose to the Supreme Court.
During his tenure, he was part of benches that handled crucial matters. He was among the judges who upheld the constitutional validity of the Modi government’s 10% EWS quota. He also served on benches deciding the Maharashtra political crisis and the Bhima-Koregaon violence case.
What makes him stand out
Gavai was known for his independent stance. Despite being in line to become CJI, he once delivered a dissenting judgment against the majority opinion.
Legal observers see him as someone who values merit and law over pressure.
The road ahead
His tenure may be short, but key cases await him. This includes sensitive issues involving electoral bonds, freebies, and tribunal reforms.
