Hope judges follow Chief Justice of India BR Gavai’s passion for upholding accountability: Kapil Sibal

“(He) had a nuanced understanding of the Constitution, the responsibilities of institutions and the significance of social justice in the context of our polity. He was able to decide matters, aware of the ground realities of India,” Sibal said.

CJI Gavai, at the same time, ensured that institutions were made accountable for their actions – a common thread that ran through his judgments, he added.

“Apart from that, he was a humble man and a very pleasant judge who had the innate quality of being firm to light. And yet whatever he did with a smile. He was exceptionally sensitive to issues of liberty and the issues of social justice.”

Sibal added, “If you see every judgment of his, in law, is sound in every sense of the word. We will miss him, and I hope and pray that his footsteps extend the history of time, will be remembered, and judges in the court today and later will follow the passion with which he both held institutions accountable and was concerned with liberty and social justice.”

Gavai, who has been India’s 52nd Chief Justice since May 14, 2025, is scheduled to retire on November 23. He became the first Buddhist and the second Dalit to occupy to hold the position and represents a critical turning point in the judiciary’s attempts to become more inclusive.

In the farewell ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Advocate on Records Association on Thursday,  Gavai talked about his religious sentiments and inspirations and said, “I practice Buddhism but I don’t have any depth in any religious studies. I am truly a secular person. I believe in all religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam. I learnt from my father because my father was also a truly secular person.”

He was a part of several key constitutional decisions, most recently being the opinion of a five-judge bench to the questions of the contentious Presidential reference.

Justice Surya Kant will take over as the 53rd Chief Justice when CJI Gavai demits office and remain in office till February 9, 2027.