Upcoming CJI: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai will become the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025. His name was recommended to the law ministry by the outgoing CJI Sanjiv Khanna.
Succession: He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retires on May 13, 2025.
Tenure: Justice Gavai will serve as CJI until his retirement on November 23, 2025.
Historical Significance: He will be the second Dalit to hold the position of CJI, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.
Appointment Process: The outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most Supreme Court judge to the Union Law Ministry, followed by government approval and presidential appointment.
Seniority and Role: Justice Gavai is currently the senior-most
after CJI Khanna. The CJI leads judicial proceedings, including Constitution Benches, administers the Supreme Court, and acts as the “Master of the Roster,” deciding case allocations.
Constitutional Basis: Article 124(2) of the Constitution outlines the President’s power to appoint the CJI.
Removal: A CJI can be removed by the President on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity, following a special majority in both Houses of Parliament (Article 124(4)).
