Key Judgments
Justice Gavai has played a significant role in several cases of constitutional and social importance in the Supreme Court. Some of his notable judgments are as follows: Article 370 (Jammu and Kashmir)In December 2023, Justice Gavai was part of a five-judge constitutional bench that unanimously upheld the central government’s decision to revoke Article 370 on 5 August 2019. This decision approved the ending of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and its division into two Union Territories. This marked a historic change in India’s administrative and political framework.
Demonetisation (2016)
In January 2023, Justice Gavai was part of a five-judge constitutional bench that upheld, by a 4:1 majority, the central government’s decision to demonetise ₹500 and ₹1000 notes on 8 November 2016. This judgment validated the demonetisation process and its objectives (curbing black money and counterfeit currency).
In January 2023, Justice Gavai was part of a five-judge constitutional bench that upheld, by a 4:1 majority, the central government’s decision to demonetise ₹500 and ₹1000 notes on 8 November 2016. This judgment validated the demonetisation process and its objectives (curbing black money and counterfeit currency).
Electoral Bonds Scheme
In 2023, Justice Gavai was part of a five-judge bench that declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional and void. This scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties, and this judgment was a significant step towards transparency in political funding.
In 2023, Justice Gavai was part of a five-judge bench that declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional and void. This scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties, and this judgment was a significant step towards transparency in political funding.
Bulldozer Actions
In 2024, the bench of Justice Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan issued nationwide guidelines against the demolition of properties using bulldozers in the name of illegal construction or punitive action. The judgment mandated prior notice and a 15-day interval, curbing the arbitrariness of the executive.
In 2024, the bench of Justice Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan issued nationwide guidelines against the demolition of properties using bulldozers in the name of illegal construction or punitive action. The judgment mandated prior notice and a 15-day interval, curbing the arbitrariness of the executive.
Rajiv Gandhi Assassination
In 2022, a bench headed by Justice Gavai ordered the release of six convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case after more than 30 years of imprisonment. This decision was based on the Tamil Nadu government’s recommendation for release and the inaction of the Governor.
In 2022, a bench headed by Justice Gavai ordered the release of six convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case after more than 30 years of imprisonment. This decision was based on the Tamil Nadu government’s recommendation for release and the inaction of the Governor.
Sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes
In 2024, Justice Gavai was part of a seven-judge bench that approved sub-categorisation within Scheduled Caste reservations. In his separate judgment, he suggested that economically well-off Scheduled Caste communities should voluntarily relinquish reservations, sparking a new discussion on social justice.
In 2024, Justice Gavai was part of a seven-judge bench that approved sub-categorisation within Scheduled Caste reservations. In his separate judgment, he suggested that economically well-off Scheduled Caste communities should voluntarily relinquish reservations, sparking a new discussion on social justice.
Modi Surname Case
Justice Gavai was part of the bench that granted relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the ‘Modi surname’ case. This judgment stayed his conviction, leading to the restoration of his Lok Sabha membership.
Justice Gavai was part of the bench that granted relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the ‘Modi surname’ case. This judgment stayed his conviction, leading to the restoration of his Lok Sabha membership.
Stamp Act
Justice Gavai was part of a seven-judge bench that ruled that agreements without stamp duty under the Stamp Act are invalid. This was a decision that brought clarity to commercial and legal transactions.
Justice Gavai was part of a seven-judge bench that ruled that agreements without stamp duty under the Stamp Act are invalid. This was a decision that brought clarity to commercial and legal transactions.
Environmental Protection
Justice Gavai adopted a strict stance in the case of the destruction of 100 acres of forest in Hyderabad’s Kacha Gachibowli. He headed the bench hearing cases related to forest conservation, prioritising environmental protection.
Justice Gavai adopted a strict stance in the case of the destruction of 100 acres of forest in Hyderabad’s Kacha Gachibowli. He headed the bench hearing cases related to forest conservation, prioritising environmental protection.
Judicial Background
Early Career: Justice Gavai began his legal practice in 1985 and became a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003. He was appointed a Supreme Court judge on 24 May 2019. Special Contributions: Justice Gavai has demonstrated commitment to constitutional values and social justice. He has stated, “I am a Supreme Court judge because of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.” Dalit Representation: His appointment as the second Dalit CJI symbolises social inclusion.
