Overview

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially recommended Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as his successor to the Union Law Ministry, following established judicial protocols.
• Justice Gavai will assume office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, a day after Justice Khanna's retirement on May 13.
• His appointment is historically significant as he will be the second Dalit to hold the position, following Justice KG Balakrishnan (2007–2010).
• Justice Gavai, who has served as a Supreme Court judge since May 2019, has been involved in landmark judgments, including rulings on demonetization and electoral bonds.
• With a six-month tenure ending in November 2025, his leadership will focus on judicial continuity and representation within India's judiciary.