In April 2025, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna named _____ as his successor, who will be the _____ upon appointment.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Justice B R Gavai; 52nd Chief Justice of India

Explanation:

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the 51st Chief Justice of India, recommended Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as his successor in April 2025.

• Justice Gavai, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court at that time, was appointed the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

• He was sworn in on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Khanna, who retired on May 13, 2025.

• Justice Gavai's tenure as CJI is set to conclude on November 23, 2025, upon reaching the age of 65, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court judges.

• His elevation marks a significant milestone as he is the first Buddhist and the second person from the Scheduled Castes to hold the office of Chief Justice of India .

Information Booster:

• Justice B R Gavai: Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and became a permanent judge on November 12, 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.

• Notable Contributions: Justice Gavai has been part of several landmark rulings, including the verdict upholding the Centre’s 2016 decision to demonetize currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, and the judgment declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional .

• Representation: His appointment as CJI is seen as a step towards greater representation and inclusivity within the Indian legal system, reflecting progress in diversity among the nation's top judicial posts .

Additional Information:

• Option A (Justice B R Gavai; 53rd Chief Justice of India): Incorrect. Justice Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice of India.