Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was officially sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday in a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Gavai, who made history by becoming the first Buddhist to hold the nation’s highest judicial position.
In a significant gesture, Justice Gavai took his oath in Hindi, reaffirming his commitment to uphold the Constitution of India and to faithfully discharge the duties of his office.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the outgoing Chief Justice. Members of Justice Gavai’s family were also present in the front row, alongside sitting and retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Acknowledging the applause with folded hands, the newly appointed CJI exchanged greetings with senior leaders and judicial peers before heading to the Supreme Court for a brief customary interaction with fellow judges over tea.
Justice Gavai is expected to soon convene a full court meeting to outline his vision and consult with his colleagues on the path forward. His tenure begins just days before the Supreme Court enters its annual summer recess. However, the Court will remain partially functional during the break, with at least three benches scheduled to continue hearing urgent matters.
Justice Gavai will continue to sit on the Bench with Justice Augustine George Masih in the initial days of his tenure.
