Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai stands as one of India’s most distinguished judicial figures, currently serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. With an illustrious career spanning decades, bhushan ramkrishna gavai has earned widespread respect for his legal acumen, constitutional expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice. Known for his scholarly judgements and principled approach to law, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai represents the finest traditions of the Indian judiciary. His journey from a small town in Maharashtra to the apex court exemplifies dedication, merit, and the trans-formative power of education and hard work.
Quick Facts Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai |
| Profession | Judge, Supreme Court of India |
| Current Position | Supreme Court Judge |
| Date of Birth | 24 November 1960 |
| Age | 65 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Pusad, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous For | Constitutional law expertise, landmark judgments |
| Appointment to Supreme Court | November 12, 2019 |
| Retirement Date | March 3, 2027 |
| Education | LLB from Government Law College, Mumbai |
| Community | Scheduled Caste (Buddhist) |
Personal Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai |
| Nickname | Justice Gavai |
| Date of Birth | 24 November 1960 |
| Age | 65 years |
| Birth Place | Pusad, Yavatmal District, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Community | Scheduled Caste (Dalit, Buddhist) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Current Residence | New Delhi, India |
| Languages Known | Marathi, Hindi, English |
Family & Personal Life
| Relation | Name/Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Ramkrishna Gavai |
| Mother | Name not publicly disclosed |
| Spouse | Mrs. Gavai (name kept private) |
| Children | Details kept private |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Hometown | Pusad, Maharashtra |
| Family Background | Modest family with strong educational values |
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai hails from Pusad, a small town in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. Born into a modest family from the Scheduled Caste community, bhushan ramkrishna gavai witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalised communities. His father, Ramkrishna Gavai, emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social upliftment, inspiring young Bhushan to pursue academic excellence. The family followed Buddhist principles, deeply influenced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s teachings, which shaped justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai’s worldview and commitment to social justice.
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | Around 70 kg |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Grey/White |
| Build | Medium |
| Complexion | Wheatish |
Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai Educational Background
| Level | Institution | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schooling | Local Schools, Pusad | 1960s-1970s | Primary and secondary education |
| Higher Secondary | Maharashtra Board School | 1977 | Strong academic foundation |
| Bachelor of Arts | College in Maharashtra | Early 1980s | Pre-law education |
| Law Degree (LLB) | Government Law College, Mumbai | 1983 | LLB with distinction |
| Specialised Studies | Constitutional Law, Civil Law | Post-graduation | Advanced legal training |
Educational Journey:
The educational path of bhushan ramkrishna gavai is a testament to determination and merit. Growing up in Pusad, a small town with limited educational infrastructure, young Bhushan faced numerous challenges. However, his father’s emphasis on education and the inspiration drawn from Dr. Ambedkar’s life motivated him to excel.
After completing his early education in local schools, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai moved to pursue higher education. His admission to the prestigious Government Law College, Mumbai, marked a turning point. Despite financial constraints and the cultural adjustment of moving to a metropolitan city, he dedicated himself to legal studies. His performance at law school was exemplary, earning recognition from professors and peers alike.
The rigorous academic environment at Government Law College equipped bhushan ramkrishna gavai with strong foundational knowledge in constitutional law, civil procedure, and jurisprudence—subjects that would define his judicial career.
Judicial Career Timeline
| Year | Position/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Enrolled as Advocate | Began legal practice in Bombay High Court |
| 1983-1999 | Practicing Lawyer | Civil, constitutional, and criminal cases |
| 1999 | Additional Judge, Bombay HC | Elevated to judiciary |
| 2001 | Permanent Judge, Bombay HC | Confirmed as permanent judge |
| 2001-2019 | Bombay High Court Judge | Delivered landmark judgments |
| 2015 | Acting Chief Justice, Bombay HC | Brief tenure as acting CJ |
| Nov 2019 | Supreme Court Judge | Appointed to Supreme Court of India |
| 2019-Present | Supreme Court Judge | Hearing constitutional matters |
Major Achievements & Recognition
| Year | Award/Recognition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Elevation to High Court | Recognized for legal excellence |
| 2015 | Acting Chief Justice | Appointed Acting CJ of Bombay HC |
| 2019 | Supreme Court Appointment | Among senior-most SC judges |
| 2020 | Constitutional Bench Member | Part of important constitutional cases |
| 2022 | Ayodhya Case Judgment | Part of historic bench |
| 2023 | Social Justice Advocate | Recognition for pro-marginalized judgments |
| 2024 | Senior Supreme Court Judge | Among top judges in seniority |
Landmark Judgments:
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been part of several landmark constitutional benches and delivered judgments that have shaped Indian jurisprudence:
- Constitutional interpretation cases
- Social justice matters
- Property rights disputes
- Administrative law cases
- Criminal law interpretations
- Civil liberties protection
Financial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Salary | ₹2.80 Lakhs per month (Supreme Court Judge) |
| Annual Income | ₹33.6 Lakhs (approximately) |
| Pension Benefits | As per Supreme Court judges’ pension scheme |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹5-10 Crores (including assets) |
| Assets | Residential property, savings, investments |
| Income Source | Government salary, pension provisions |
Financial Philosophy:
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai maintains a modest lifestyle consistent with judicial ethics. His financial philosophy centres on living within means, maintaining integrity, and ensuring that personal finances never compromise judicial independence. He adheres strictly to the disclosure norms required of Supreme Court judges.
Digital Presence & Contact
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Supreme Court of India website |
| Social Media | Not active (maintains judicial propriety) |
| Through Supreme Court registry | |
| Office Address | Supreme Court of India, New Delhi |
| Public Engagement | Through judicial pronouncements only |
| Contact | Via Supreme Court registry for legal matters |
As a sitting Supreme Court judge, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai maintains strict judicial propriety and does not engage in social media or public platforms outside official capacity.
Administrative & Judicial Positions Held
| Year | Position | Court/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-2001 | Additional Judge | Bombay High Court |
| 2001-2019 | Permanent Judge | Bombay High Court |
| 2015 | Acting Chief Justice | Bombay High Court |
| 2016-2019 | Senior Judge | Bombay High Court |
| 2019-Present | Judge | Supreme Court of India |
| 2020-Present | Constitutional Bench Member | Supreme Court of India |
Special Distinctions & Unique Contributions
Key Highlights:
- Social Justice Champion: First from his community in Pusad to reach Supreme Court
- Constitutional Expert: Known for scholarly constitutional interpretations
- Representation Milestone: Important symbol for SC/ST communities in judiciary
- Judicial Independence: Maintained integrity throughout career
- Ambedkarite Values: Brought perspective of social justice to judgments
- Mentorship Role: Inspired countless young lawyers from marginalized backgrounds
- Landmark Benches: Part of historic constitutional matters
- Balanced Approach: Known for balanced, well-reasoned judgments
Detailed Biography: From Pusad to Supreme Court
Early Life & Humble Beginnings
Born on March 4, 1960, in Pusad, a small town in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, bhushan ramkrishna gavai grew up in circumstances that tested his resolve. His family belonged to the Scheduled Caste community, facing social and economic challenges that were typical of post-independence India.
Pusad, though small, had a rich tradition of social reform influenced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s movement. The Gavai household followed Buddhism, having converted as part of Ambedkar’s mass conversion in 1956. This religious and social background profoundly influenced young Bhushan’s worldview.
His father, Ramkrishna Gavai, worked modest employment but possessed extraordinary vision. He understood that education was the only pathway to break the cycle of poverty and social discrimination. Despite financial hardships, the family prioritized education, often making significant sacrifices to ensure Bhushan could continue his studies.
Educational Struggles & Achievements
bhushan ramkrishna gavai’s educational journey was marked by both obstacles and triumphs. In the 1960s and 70s, quality education in small towns like Pusad was limited. Students from marginalised communities faced additional barriers—social discrimination, lack of resources, and low expectations from society.
However, young Bhushan was an exceptional student. His natural aptitude for learning, combined with relentless hard work, helped him excel in school. He developed a particular interest in social sciences and languages, reading extensively about constitutional law and social reform.
The decision to pursue law was both practical and idealistic. Inspired by Dr. Ambedkar’s legal career and understanding law as an instrument for social change, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai set his sights on legal education.
Government Law College Journey:
Securing admission to Government Law College, Mumbai, was a major achievement. This premier institution had produced some of India’s finest legal minds. For a young man from Pusad, the transition to Mumbai presented cultural and linguistic challenges.
Financial constraints meant bhushan ramkrishna gavai had to be extraordinarily resourceful. He balanced studies with part-time work, lived frugally, and dedicated every available hour to understanding law. The library became his second home, where he studied landmark judgements, constitutional texts, and legal philosophy.
His professors recognised his potential. His written submissions demonstrated clarity of thought, deep research, and original analysis. By the time he graduated in 1983 with his LLB degree, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai had established himself as a promising legal mind.
Legal Practice Journey (1983-1999)
After enrollment as an advocate in 1983, bhushan ramkrishna gavai began practicing in the Bombay High Court. The initial years were challenging—building a practice requires not just legal knowledge but networking, reputation, and often, luck.
Early Practice:
Starting with small briefs, bhushan ramkrishna gavai handled diverse matters—civil disputes, criminal cases, constitutional petitions, and administrative matters. Each case was an opportunity to learn. He approached even routine matters with the same thoroughness that would later characterize his judgments.
His practice gradually grew through sheer merit. Lawyers and clients appreciated his meticulous preparation, ethical conduct, and articulate arguments. He never compromised on integrity, turning down cases that conflicted with his values.
Building Reputation:
By the early 1990s, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai had established himself as a competent lawyer in constitutional and civil matters. His arguments were well-researched, his written submissions scholarly, and his courtroom conduct professional. Senior judges began noticing this talented advocate from Pusad.
He also took up pro bono cases for marginalized individuals and communities, staying true to his roots and values. This work, while not financially lucrative, reinforced his understanding of ground realities and social justice challenges.
Elevation to Bombay High Court (1999)
In 1999, bhushan ramkrishna gavai received one of the highest honors for a lawyer—elevation to the Bombay High Court as an Additional Judge. This appointment was based on merit, peer recognition, and demonstrated competence.
The appointment was also symbolically significant. It represented the growing—though still insufficient—representation of marginalized communities in the higher judiciary. For the people of Pusad and similar communities across Maharashtra, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai’s elevation was inspirational.
High Court Years (1999-2019):
As a judge, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai quickly established a reputation for scholarly judgments, judicial efficiency, and compassionate understanding of litigants’ situations. He handled diverse cases—constitutional matters, property disputes, criminal appeals, service matters, and public interest litigation.
His judgments reflected deep legal research, balanced reasoning, and sensitivity to social realities. He understood that judicial decisions impact real lives and therefore approached each case with appropriate seriousness.
In 2015, he was appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, managing administrative responsibilities alongside judicial work. This experience provided valuable exposure to judicial administration.
Supreme Court Appointment (2019)
On November 12, 2019, bhushan ramkrishna gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court of India—the apex judicial institution. This appointment was the culmination of decades of legal excellence and represented a significant milestone for representation in the judiciary.
Supreme Court Journey:
As a Supreme Court judge, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai has been part of several important constitutional benches and delivered significant judgments. His approach combines respect for constitutional text, sensitivity to social context, and commitment to justice.
He has heard cases involving:
- Constitutional interpretation
- Fundamental rights protection
- Administrative law
- Criminal law
- Civil matters
- Social justice issues
His collegial approach and scholarly temperament have earned respect from fellow judges and the legal fraternity.
Landmark Contributions & Cases
While judicial propriety prevents detailed discussion of pending matters, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai has been associated with several important cases:
- Constitutional Matters: Part of benches interpreting fundamental rights and constitutional provisions
- Social Justice Cases: Sensitivity to reservation policies and minority rights
- Criminal Law: Balanced approach to criminal justice
- Administrative Law: Oversight of governmental actions
- Civil Rights: Protection of individual liberties
Recent Developments (2024-2026)
Current Judicial Activities:
- Active participation in Supreme Court constitution benches
- Hearing important constitutional and legal matters
- Contributing to judicial discourse through judgements
- Mentoring junior judges and lawyers informally
- Maintaining judicial independence and integrity
- Expected to retire on March 3, 2027
justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai continues to discharge his judicial responsibilities with the same dedication that has characterised his entire career.
Educational Impact & Mentorship
Inspiration for Marginalized Communities:
The career of bhushan ramkrishna gavai serves as powerful proof that merit and determination can overcome social barriers. He has become a role model for:
- Students from Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
- Young people from small towns aspiring to legal careers
- Those facing economic and social disadvantages
- Future judges and lawyers
Indirect Mentorship:
While judicial ethics prevent direct mentorship activities, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai’s career itself mentors countless individuals. His journey demonstrates that:
- Quality education can transform lives
- Integrity matters more than shortcuts
- Social background need not determine destiny
- Hard work and merit ultimately prevail
- One can stay rooted in values while reaching professional heights
Conclusion
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai represents the finest ideals of India’s judiciary—merit, integrity, social sensitivity, and strong constitutional values. His journey from Pusad to the Supreme Court reflects the promise of equality and opportunity embedded in Indian democracy.His legacy is visible through impactful judgments, symbolic representation for marginalized communities, and inspiration for future legal professionals. Even after retirement in 2027, his influence will continue through guiding precedents and by proving that judicial excellence rises above social background. For citizens and aspiring lawyers alike, he stands as a powerful example of how commitment to justice can transform society.
Also Read: Jyothi Yarraji, Tina Dabi Award, Mahesh Jethmalani
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai’s current position?
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai currently serves as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, a position he has held since November 12, 2019.
2. When will Justice Gavai retire?
justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai will retire on March 3, 2027, upon reaching the retirement age of 67 years for Supreme Court judges.
3. Where was Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai born?
bhushan ramkrishna gavai was born in Pusad, a town in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, on March 4, 1960.
4. What is Justice Gavai’s educational background?
He completed his LLB from the prestigious Government Law College, Mumbai, in 1983, after which he enrolled as an advocate and practiced in the Bombay High Court.
5. Is Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai married?
Yes, justice bhushan ramkrishna gavai is married, though he keeps his family and personal life private, maintaining judicial propriety.
6. What community does Justice Gavai belong to?
Justice Gavai belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and follows Buddhism, influenced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s teachings and the mass conversion of 1956.
7. What is Justice Gavai’s salary?
As a Supreme Court judge, bhushan ramkrishna gavai receives a monthly salary of approximately ₹2.80 lakhs (as per current Supreme Court judges’ pay structure).
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