In April 2025, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna named _____ as his successor, who will be the _____ upon appointment

The correct answer is Justice B R Gavai; 52nd Chief Justice of India.

Key Points

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the 51st Chief Justice of India, retired in May 2025, as per the standard retirement age of 65 for Supreme Court judges.
• Justice B R Gavai has been named as his successor, making him the 52nd Chief Justice of India upon appointment.
• Justice B R Gavai is known for his significant contributions to the judiciary and has been part of several landmark judgments during his tenure in the Supreme Court.
• He will be the second Chief Justice of India from the Scheduled Caste community, following Justice K G Balakrishnan, who served as the 37th CJI.
• The appointment of the Chief Justice of India is made by the President of India based on seniority among the Supreme Court judges and recommendations from the outgoing CJI.

Additional Information

• Chief Justice of India (CJI):
  • The Chief Justice of India is the head of the judiciary system and the Supreme Court, the highest constitutional court in India.
  • The CJI plays a vital role in upholding the Constitution, interpreting laws, and maintaining checks and balances between the three branches of government.
• Eligibility for the CJI:
  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must have served as a judge in a High Court for at least five years or as an advocate in a High Court for at least ten years, or be a distinguished jurist in the President's opinion.
• Appointment Process:
  • The President of India appoints the CJI based on seniority among the judges of the Supreme Court.
  • The outgoing CJI recommends their successor in consultation with other senior judges of the Supreme Court.
• Retirement Age:
  • Supreme Court judges, including the CJI, retire at the age of 65.
  • High Court judges, by comparison, retire at the age of 62.
• Historical Significance:
  • Justice H J Kania was the first Chief Justice of India, serving from 1950 to 1951.
  • Justice Fathima Beevi was the first woman to be appointed as a Supreme Court judge in India, paving the way for greater representation in the judiciary.