CJI Sanjiv Khanna Recuses from Waqf Act Hearing Ahead of Retirement; Matter Adjourned to May 15
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, citing his upcoming retirement on May 13. The Supreme Court adjourned the case to May 15, when it will be heard by a new bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai. The matter involves over 70 petitions contesting the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards and the status of waqf properties, with the Centre defending the law and petitioners alleging constitutional and procedural violations.
Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India, to Take Charge on May 14
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, effective May 14, 2025. With a judicial career spanning over two decades, Justice Gavai is only the second CJI from a Scheduled Caste background. He will serve a six-month tenure, during which he is expected to uphold his legacy of significant rulings on constitutional and civil rights matters.
