India’s New CJI Gavai Vows Full Transparency in Judge Appointments

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said the Supreme Court will “adopt a procedure of complete transparency” in the collegium system that recommends appointments to the higher judiciary, while ensuring that merit is never compromised and that all sections of society receive representation. He made the remarks on 4 July at a felicitation organised by the Bombay Bar Association in Mumbai, one month after being sworn in as the country’s 52nd Chief Justice. Gavai acknowledged past reservations expressed about his own elevation in 2019 but said the experience underscored the need for clearer processes. The commitment comes amid longstanding criticism that the opaque collegium mechanism lacks accountability and diversity. Separately, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar announced that the state legislature will honour Gavai in the Central Hall of the Vidhan Bhavan on 8 July, recognising the Nagpur-born judge for becoming the first CJI from Maharashtra.