Justice B.R. Gavai has been nominated as the next Chief Justice of India, following the retirement of Sanjeev Khanna on May 13. He will take the oath on May 14 and serve until approximately November 23.
The outgoing Chief Justice traditionally recommends the most senior Supreme Court judge to the government, which usually accepts the advice. Gavai’s nomination has been sent to the Ministry of Law and Justice for approval.
He began practicing law in 1985, became a Bombay High Court judge in 2003, and joined the Supreme Court in 2019, making him the 52nd Chief Justice.
Upon succession as the 52nd CJI, Justice Gavai would also be the second CJI belonging to the Scheduled Caste community after Justice KG Balakrishnan retired as the CJI in 2010.
Justice Gavai will retire on November 23, 2025.
