BR Gavai Takes Oath as 52nd CJI, Faces Key Challenges Ahead

Swift Summary

• Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Present at his oath ceremony were President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union ministers, Supreme Court judges, adn former CJIs.
• Justice gavai is the first Buddhist and second Dalit to hold this position; he was sworn in with an affirmation rather than in the name of God.
• His tenure begins amidst a legal query from president Murmu under Article 143(1), asking for guidance on setting deadlines for governors and Presidents to approve bills passed by state assemblies-a question that requires constituting a Constitution bench.
• at his swearing-in ceremony, justice Gavai sought blessings from his mother and paid tribute to statues of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi at the Supreme Court afterwards.
• Nearly 400 lawyers from Maharashtra traveled to felicitate him. Judges across High Courts also attended the event.

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Indian Opinion analysis

Justice Bhushan Gavai’s appointment marks a meaningful moment for inclusivity in India’s judiciary as he brings portrayal both as a Dalit leader and member of the Buddhist community. This historic growth could resonate positively among marginalized communities while highlighting India’s evolving commitment toward equity within institutional spaces.

The President’s referral under Article 143(1) will likely serve as an early test for CJI Gavai’s leadership capabilities, requiring careful constitutional deliberation around legislative approvals-a matter intertwined with governance efficiency. resolving this critical issue could enhance clarity between executive-legislative functions while establishing precedents applicable across states.

Justice Gavai’s respect towards cultural icons like Dr B.R. ambedkar resonates deeply due to their foundational role in shaping modern law frameworks rooted in equality-echoing hopes that principles underpinning justice remain central during his tenure.