FIRST BUDDHIST TO LEAD THE COUNTRY's JUDICIARY

 FIRST BUDDHIST TO LEAD THE COUNTRY's JUDICIARY

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on Wednesday, MAY 14,2025 making history as the first Buddhist to lead the country’s judiciary and only the second judge from the Scheduled Castes to rise to this position. He took over from Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His tenure will last until November 23, 2025.

He was born to Ramkrishna Suryabhan Gavai and Kamala on 24 November 1960. His father led the Republican Party of India (Gavai) faction and had been an M.P. and Governor. His brother Rajendra Gavai is also a politician. His family is inspired by B. R. Ambedkar and follows Buddhism

Mr. B.R. Gavai joined the Bar on 16 March 1985.He practiced independently at Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990. After 1990, he practiced mainly before Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court. He also practiced in constitutional law and administrative law.

****** K. G. Balakrishnan, a member of the Scheduled Castes, who previously served as Chief Justice. **********

Famous Judgement of BR Gavai

Justice Gavai was part of the five-judge bench that unanimously upheld the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The judgment affirmed the Parliament's authority to alter the state's constitutional relationship with the Union.