Justice Gavai Becomes India’s 52nd Chief Justice, the First Buddhist to Hold the Position

Justice Gavai Becomes India’s 52nd Chief Justice, the First Buddhist to Hold the Position

Last Updated May - 14 - 2025, 03:49 PM | Source : Fela News

Justice B.R. Gavai becomes India's 52nd Chief Justice, making history as the first Buddhist to hold the position. His tenure will run until November 23, 2025, i

Justice B.R. Gavai took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, making history as the first Buddhist and the second Dalit to hold the nation's top judicial post. The first Dalit Chief Justice was Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, who served from 2007 to 2010.

Justice Gavai’s tenure will last for six months, concluding on November 23.

During his judicial career, Justice Gavai has delivered several landmark and impactful judgments. These include:

• Upholding the repeal of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir.
• Validating demonetization, calling it a legally sound decision.
• Recognizing sub-categorization within the Scheduled Caste quota as constitutionally valid.
• Taking a firm stance against "bulldozer justice", emphasizing that the right to shelter cannot be violated under any circumstance. He strongly condemned arbitrary demolitions, stating that such actions violate the rule of law and natural justice.
• Criticizing the Allahabad High Court’s judgments that downplayed rape and attempted rape charges and included inappropriate remarks against victims.

Justice Gavai follows Buddhism, and he expressed pride in taking the oath as Chief Justice shortly after Buddha Purnima, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar. His family, including his father, had embraced Buddhism, following the path shown by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Justice Gavai’s elevation to the position of Chief Justice is not only historic but also a source of inspiration for marginalized communities across the country.

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