From scrapping Article 370 to striking down electoral bonds, Justice Gavai- key voice in landmark rulings- set to take charge as CJI

National News: The judiciary of India is now going to get a head who has an eye on the soul of the Constitution and whose decisions reflect public concerns. Justice BR Gavai has been appointed the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). President Draupadi Murmu has formally approved his name. Current CJI Sanjeev Khanna is retiring on May 13 and Gavai will take over as his successor.

Balance of justice and constitutional tradition

Justice Gavai has been appointed not only on the basis of seniority, but it is also a big step towards diversity and social representation in the judiciary. He is the second person to reach this top post after the country's first Dalit CJI K.G. Balakrishnan.

Sharpness seen in decisions - from Article 370 to brakes on bulldozers

Justice Gavai's tenure in the Supreme Court so far has been full of many historic decisions. He played an important role in the Constitution Bench that validated the removal of Article 370. Apart from this, his name was also included in the decision declaring the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional.

Against 'bulldozer politics', he took a tough stand on illegal demolitions and also considered questions of social structure like allowing states to sub-classify within the Scheduled Castes.

Story of judicial legacy and social struggle

Justice Gavai comes from Amravati district of Maharashtra. His father Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai has been the Governor of Maharashtra and was also a renowned Dalit leader. After studying law, he specialized in constitutional matters in the Bombay High Court and became a judge in 2003. In 2019, he reached the Supreme Court and now the command of the country's largest court is in his hands.

Hope for a new era of justice

The Supreme Court is now going to get a Chief Justice who has constitution in his thinking, struggle in experience and inclusiveness in vision. It is expected that Justice Gavai's tenure will not only lead to institutional reforms but will also strengthen the access of every section to justice.