Justice Gavai is only the second Dalit CJI in history — a reminder of how far India’s judiciary has to go on social inclusion
Though qualified, Gavai served 16 years as a high court judge before reaching the apex court — a sign of the system’s barriers
He contributed to key verdicts on J&K’s special status, demonetisation, SC reservations, and electoral bonds
With just six months in office, Gavai follows Justice Khanna’s quiet, reformist model — focused on what’s possible
Despite improved case disposals, over 80,000 matters remain pending, including critical Constitution Bench cases
Justice Gavai has declined post-retirement government roles — a move that reinforces trust in judicial independence