Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the judiciary and the highest authority in the Supreme Court, responsible for ensuring constitutional justice and leading India’s legal system. Here is the Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025

The Chief Justice of India is responsible for:

• Leading the Supreme Court and presiding over its constitutional benches.
• Allocating cases and forming benches to hear important matters.
• Advising the President of India on judicial appointments, transfers, and other related matters.
• Supervising the functioning of all courts in India, ensuring justice is delivered efficiently and fairly.
• Administering the oath of office to the President of India (as per constitutional provisions, in some cases).

The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India, based on seniority among Supreme Court judges, following the collegium system.

Chief Justice of India – Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai (2025)

Hon’ble Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice of India, assuming office on 14 May 2025, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His tenure is expected to continue until 23 November 2025.

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was born on 24 November 1960 in Amravati, Maharashtra. He graduated in law from Government Law College, Mumbai, and began his legal career under the mentorship of Justice R.A. Jahagirdar and Barrister V.P. Bharucha. He was appointed as a Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and later elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 24 May 2019. Throughout his judicial career, Justice Gavai has been recognized for his balanced judgments, focus on constitutional principles, and commitment to justice for all sections of society.

Justice Gavai is also notable for being one of the few judges from the Scheduled Caste community to reach the top judicial post, symbolizing inclusivity and representation in India’s judiciary. During his tenure as Chief Justice, he is expected to oversee key constitutional matters and continue reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and digitalization in the Indian judicial system.

Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025

This is list of Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025

Chief Justice of India – Appointment Process

1. Constitutional Provision

The appointment of the Chief Justice of India is governed by Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution, which states:

“The President of India shall appoint every Judge of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India.”

However, over the years, judicial conventions and the collegium system have shaped how this process actually works in practice.

2. Convention of Seniority

By convention, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India.
This tradition ensures fairness, transparency, and avoids favoritism or political interference.

The President of India appoints the Chief Justice after consultation with other judges (as required by the collegium system).

3. The Collegium System

The Collegium System was established through a series of Supreme Court judgments known as the “Judges’ Cases”:

• First Judges Case (1981): Executive had primacy in judicial appointments.
• Second Judges Case (1993): Introduced the collegium system — judiciary got primacy.
• Third Judges Case (1998): Expanded the collegium to five senior-most judges.

Collegium for CJI Appointment

For appointing the next Chief Justice of India:

• The outgoing CJI recommends the name of the senior-most judge as the successor.
• The recommendation is sent to the Law Ministry, which forwards it to the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister advises the President to make the formal appointment.

4. Official Steps in Appointment

1. Recommendation by Outgoing CJI → Sent about a month before retirement.
2. Law Ministry Processes the File → Adds its inputs and forwards it to the PM.
3. Prime Minister’s Advice → PM advises the President to appoint the recommended judge.
4. Appointment by President → The President issues a warrant of appointment.
5. Oath Ceremony → The new CJI takes the oath of office before the President of India.

5. Tenure and Retirement

• The CJI serves until the age of 65 years.
• There is no fixed term; tenure depends on date of appointment and age.
• The CJI can resign or be removed only through impeachment by Parliament under Article 124(4) (for proven misbehavior or incapacity).

6. Example – Recent Appointment

In May 2025, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.
He was the senior-most judge after Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, following the same collegium convention and Presidential approval process.

First Chief Justice of India – Harilal Jekisundas Kania

Harilal Jekisundas Kania was the first Chief Justice of India (CJI). He assumed office on 26 January 1950, the day the Constitution of India came into effect, and served until 6 November 1951.

Born on 3 November 1890 in Surat, Gujarat, Justice Kania completed his law studies from the Government Law College, Bombay. Before becoming the Chief Justice of India, he served as the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of India, which later became the Supreme Court of India after independence.

Justice Kania was known for his integrity, legal acumen, and deep understanding of constitutional law. His tenure laid the foundation of an independent judiciary in India, emphasizing the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.

He passed away on 6 November 1951 while in office — making him the only Chief Justice of India to die during his tenure.

🏛 Succeeding Chief Justices of India (2025–2033)

Conclusion

The Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025 reflects the evolution of India’s judiciary from its early constitutional roots to a modern, technology-driven institution. Over the decades, each Chief Justice has contributed uniquely to strengthening democracy, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. From Harilal Jekisundas Kania, the first Chief Justice of India in 1950, to Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the 52nd and current Chief Justice in 2025, the list highlights the legacy of dedication, justice, and constitutional integrity.

Studying the Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025 helps understand the continuity and leadership within the Supreme Court — the highest judicial authority in the nation. This comprehensive Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025 is not just a record of names and tenures but a testament to India’s evolving legal landscape.

In conclusion, the Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025 showcases how the judiciary has upheld the Constitution and the rule of law for more than seven decades, ensuring justice and equality for every citizen. By revisiting the Chief Justice of India List 1950 to 2025, we honor the vision, values, and integrity that continue to define the Indian judicial system.