Nagpur

As Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu, his mother, Dr. Kamaltai Gavai, reflects her son's life and upbringing. Speaking with media persons in Nagpur, Maharashtra, she said her son's rise is a story of disciplined scholarship, fearless integrity, and hard work.

Gavai is India's first Dalit Chief Justice who follows Buddhism.

Dr. Kamaltai Gavai is the wife of the former Governor of Bihar, Kerala, and Sikkim, Late R S Gavai, and Founder of Dadasaheb Gawai Charitable Trust. Here is what she said about Chief Justice of India, Justice B  Gavai, on the eve of his oath-taking in Delhi:

“Children are naturally inclined to emulate others, and hence it’s the responsibility of parents to instill good values from an early age. With this belief, we gave significant attention to Bhushan, along with his siblings, Rajendra and Kirti.

“As their father, fondly called Dadashaheb, was deeply engaged in political life and had limited time for family, the responsibility of shaping the children fell largely on me. Bhushan, who spent considerable time with his father, imbibed many of Dadashaheb’s qualities. In his father’s absence, Bhushan took on the role of family head, shouldering responsibilities at a remarkably young age.

Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai and his family with President Droupadi Murmu

"Despite our modest financial circumstances, Bhushan and his siblings led a simple life, a trait they have retained even today. When Dadashaheb was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) while Bhushan was studying in Mumbai, he never displayed the arrogance of being an ‘MLA’s son.’

"He traveled by bus from home to college, embodying the family’s principle of frugality. From a young age, Bhushan had a deep love for nature and a particular interest in farming. After completing his education in Mumbai, he returned to Amravati and began assisting his mother with agricultural work.

"Bhushan completed his primary education at a school in Amravati’s Frazerpura area, which gave him a grounded understanding of life’s realities. He later moved to Mumbai for further studies, attending Holy Cross School and earning a degree in commerce. His passion for law led him to pursue legal education at a law college.

"After completing his law degree, he returned to farming.

"During his father’s tenure as an MLA, Bhushan lived in Mumbai to assist him. Dadashaheb, always surrounded by political workers, kept his residence open to them, creating a bustling environment. To focus on his legal studies amidst this chaos, Bhushan would quietly sit in the verandah and study.

"As living expenses in Mumbai became unaffordable, he returned to Amravati and dedicated himself to farming for two to three years, a pursuit he loved. His personality was marked not by pride or arrogance but by self-respect.

CJI Gavai paying floral tributes to B R Ambedkar after taking oath of office

"After farming, Bhushan pursued a law degree at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Law College in Amravati. Upon graduating, he worked as an assistant to renowned lawyer Barrister Rajabhau Bhosale in Mumbai, gaining valuable experience. He briefly practiced law in Amravati before settling in Nagpur, where he established an independent legal practice. His sense of responsibility, refusal to compromise on work, willingness to help others wholeheartedly, simple lifestyle, readiness to assist in times of crisis, and aversion to procrastination defined his character. These traits remained consistent even as he rose to the position of a judge.

"Justice Bhushan Gavai has maintained a remarkable balance: a judge on the bench, yet an ordinary person off it. His love for reading began early, with his shelves filled with books on various subjects, even in the fourth grade.

"He was so engrossed in reading that he wouldn’t put down a book even during meals, a studious habit he continues today. He enjoys hosting guests warmly and is known for his generosity. Wherever he served as a judge, he initiated tree-planting drives, nurtured gardens, planted fruit trees, and maintained kitchen gardens, reflecting his love for nature.

"His appointment as a High Court judge was a testament to his intelligence and honest efforts. From the moment he assumed office, he demonstrated efficiency and skill. On the bench, he upheld the principle that “law is above emotions,” delivering justice with integrity.

"His balanced approach, respect for the law, and refusal to entertain frivolous arguments have marked his judicial career. His judgments have been widely regarded as fair, earning him respect and popularity. His appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is a matter of pride to his family and Amravati. Like his father, Bhushan rose through his merit, living up to his name, which means in Hindi and Marathi means ornament or pride.

"Justice Gavai’s deep knowledge of law, studious nature, integrity, and mastery over language allowed him to present compelling arguments concisely, a skill honed through hard work. His confidence, calm demeanor, courteous behavior, simplicity, and fearless commitment to helping others helped him excel in the legal profession.

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"He earned a reputation as an accomplished lawyer, representing clients and the Maharashtra government in both the High Court and the Supreme Court."