Who is Justice BR Gavai, set to take oath as the 52nd CJI?
The Supreme Court of India is set to welcome its 52nd Chief Justice, Justice BR Gavai, who will take oath on Wednesday. Justice Gavai’s journey to the top is a remarkable one, spanning over three decades. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at his life, career, and the milestones that have led him to become the Chief Justice of India.
Born on November 10, 1956, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai comes from a humble background. His father was a government servant, and his mother was a homemaker. Justice Gavai’s early life was marked by hard work and determination. He was a bright student and topped his school in the matriculation examination.
After completing his school education, Justice Gavai pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Nagpur. He then went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the same university. His academic credentials were impressive, and he topped the university in his LL.B. examination.
Justice Gavai’s journey in the legal profession began in 1982 when he was enrolled as an advocate in the Bar Council of Maharashtra. He practiced law in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court for over two decades, handling a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
In 2005, Justice Gavai’s career took a significant turn when he was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Bombay High Court. He was just 49 years old at the time and had a wealth of experience as a practicing lawyer. Over the next 14 years, Justice Gavai presided over thousands of cases, earning a reputation for his fairness, integrity, and judicial acumen.
On May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. This was a significant milestone in his career, and he became one of the youngest Judges to be appointed to the top court. In the last six years, Justice Gavai has been a part of around 700 Benches, presiding over a wide range of cases, including constitutional matters, civil appeals, and criminal cases.
Justice Gavai’s appointment as the Chief Justice of India is seen as a significant moment in the history of the Supreme Court. He is known for his strong administrative skills, his ability to manage cases efficiently, and his commitment to judicial independence. His appointment is also seen as a testament to the merit-based selection process, which has been followed by the government and the judiciary.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Justice Gavai spoke about his journey and the challenges he faced along the way. “I have had the privilege of serving in the highest court of the land for six years now. I have been part of around 700 Benches, and I have presided over thousands of cases. It is a great responsibility, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the nation,” he said.
Justice Gavai also spoke about the importance of judicial independence and the need to preserve the institution’s autonomy. “Judicial independence is essential for the functioning of the judiciary. We must ensure that the institution remains free from external influences and remains committed to upholding the Constitution,” he said.
In conclusion, Justice BR Gavai’s journey to becoming the 52nd Chief Justice of India is a remarkable one. From his humble beginnings in Amravati to his appointment as the Chief Justice of India, Justice Gavai has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the legal profession and his dedication to upholding the Constitution. As he takes oath as the Chief Justice of India, the nation expects him to bring his expertise, integrity, and judicial acumen to the highest office in the judiciary.
