The BRICS TimesChief Justice B.R. Gavai states he follows Buddhism but has not studied any religion deeply.
CJI Gavai Defines His Secular Beliefs
Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai (CJI BR Gavai) calls himself a truly secular person. He believes in all religions while personally following Buddhism. CJI BR Gavai mentioned that he learned these values from his father. His father was also a secular individual and a true follower of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Remarks at the Farewell Event
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association organized a farewell for him before his retirement. According to Live Law, he shared these personal thoughts there. CJI Gavai said, “I am a practicing Buddhist, but I have not studied any religion very deeply. I am a secular person through and through. I believe in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, all religions. I learnt this from my father.”
Childhood Lessons on Respect
CJI BR Gavai further added, “My father was also a secular person. He was a true follower of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and I have always seen in my childhood that whenever he used to go to political programmes and his friends used to tell him – Sir, let’s go here, there is a very famous Dargah here, the Gurudwara here is famous. So I grew up respecting all religions like this.”
Journey from Humble Beginnings
Justice B.R. Gavai said he leaves the post on November 23 with satisfaction after a 41-year journey. He will hand over responsibility to Justice Surya Kant. He spoke about their early lives. Both come from very ordinary families. CJI Gavai studied at a municipal school in a semi-slum area of Amravati. Meanwhile, Justice Surya Kant studied at a government school in Hisar.
Tenure and Succession Details
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is retiring from the CJI post on November 23. He is the 52nd Chief Justice of the country. He took charge as CJI on May 14. His tenure as CJI is 6 months and 6 days. However, he has been a Supreme Court judge for over six years.
Justice Surya Kant to Take Charge
Justice Surya Kant is the senior-most judge after him. Therefore, he will take over the post of CJI. CJI Gavai sent his recommendation to the central government. The President has approved this recommendation. Justice Surya Kant will assume the CJI post on November 24. He will hold this post for about a year and a half. His tenure lasts until February 9, 2027. He is currently 62 years old. He turns 65 on February 10, just one day after his retirement.
