Chief Justice of India

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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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).