Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His journey to this esteemed position is marked by humble beginnings, strong family values, and a deep commitment to the Constitution. Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, to R.S. Gavai and Kamala, Justice Gavai's upbringing instilled in him a sense of social justice and a profound respect for the principles of B.R. Ambedkar.

Justice Gavai's father, Ramkrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics and a staunch follower of Ambedkar. He founded the Republican Party of India (Gavai) and served as a Lok Sabha MP and Governor of Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala. The senior Gavai's life and work deeply influenced Justice Gavai, shaping his understanding of social issues and his dedication to upholding the rights of marginalized communities. Justice Gavai himself has often acknowledged the role of affirmative action in his career, stating that it was solely due to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's efforts that someone like him, who studied in a semi-slum area at a municipal school, could attain this position.

Justice Gavai's mother, Kamaltai, a former school teacher, has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout his life. She recalls his early days in the Frezarpura slum in Amravati, where he attended a municipal Marathi-medium school. Despite the challenging circumstances, Justice Gavai excelled in his studies and displayed a helpful and polite demeanor.

After completing his B.Com degree, Justice Gavai pursued law at Amravati University and began his legal practice in 1985. He worked with Barr. Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and Judge of the High Court, before practicing independently at the Bombay High Court. He served as Standing Counsel for various municipal corporations and autonomous bodies, gaining experience in constitutional and administrative law. He also served as a Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.

In 2003, Justice Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court and became a permanent judge in 2005. During his tenure, he presided over benches at Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, handling a wide range of cases. His appointment to the High Court was not without its challenges. He was offered a judgeship in 2001, but the process took over two years. Discouraged by the delay, he considered withdrawing his consent, but his father advised him against it.

Justice Gavai's commitment to his family is evident in his decision to seek a transfer from Mumbai to Nagpur in 2015 to care for his ailing father. His father's passing in July 2015 was a profound loss, but the values instilled in him continued to guide his path.

Elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai has been part of several significant Constitution benches. These include landmark judgments on the abrogation of Article 370, the electoral bonds scheme, and demonetization. He has authored around 300 judgments, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens.

Even with all the accolades that come with being the CJI, Justice Gavai remains grounded. This is possibly due to the advice his father gave him years ago about holding true to his values.