Source: LL
Context: Justice BR Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- He is the first Buddhist and the second Dalit to hold the post, after Justice KG Balakrishnan.
About Chief Justice of India:
- What It Is:
- The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Supreme Court and the judicial system of India.
- They are known as the “Master of the Roster”, responsible for case allocation and judicial leadership.
- Constitutional Provision:
-
- Article 124(2) of the Constitution governs the appointment of the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court.
- Appointing Authority: The President of India appoints the CJI, based on the recommendation of the outgoing CJI, following seniority convention.
- Procedure of Appointment:
-
- The Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation.
- Consultation is made with senior Supreme Court judges if fitness is in doubt.
- The Law Minister forwards the proposal to the Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister advises the President, who appoints the new CJI.
- The oath of office is administered by the President of India.
- Powers and Functions of CJI:
-
- Master of the Roster: Allocates cases to benches and forms Constitution benches.
- Judicial Leadership: Guides judicial policy and jurisprudence.
- Advisory Role: Advises the government on legal and constitutional matters.
- Administrative Authority: Appoints court officers and oversees court functioning.
- Emergency Role: In rare cases, may discharge presidential duties if both President and Vice President’s offices are vacant.
- Appointments: Must be consulted in all appointments of SC and HC judges (except CJI himself).
