New Delhi, May 30, 2025 — In a momentous development for India’s judiciary, Justice B.V. Nagarathna is poised to make history as the first woman Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity in the highest judicial office of the country. She is expected to assume office on September 23, 2027, albeit for a brief tenure of 36 days.
Justice Nagarathna’s elevation to the top post will not only be symbolic but also a tribute to her extensive and impactful legal career. Born into a family of jurists — her father, Justice E.S. Venkataramiah, served as the 19th Chief Justice of India — she commenced her legal practice in 1987. In 2008, she was appointed as a judge of the Karnataka High Court, where she served with distinction for over a decade. In August 2021, she was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where she quickly established a reputation for her firm and independent judgments.
During her tenure at the apex court, Justice Nagarathna has authored several landmark decisions. Notably, she dissented in the highly debated 2016 demonetization case, expressing serious concerns over the constitutional procedure followed. More recently, she played a key role in quashing the remission granted to the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, reaffirming her commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Though her term as Chief Justice will be the shortest in recent history, lasting just over a month, the significance of her appointment cannot be overstated. It will serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring women in the legal field and underscore the judiciary’s slow but steady progress toward greater representation and inclusivity.
Justice Nagarathna’s appointment will follow the tenure of Justice B.R. Gavai, who will serve as the 51st Chief Justice of India for six months prior to her elevation.
This milestone is a culmination of decades of incremental progress for women in India’s legal landscape. The journey began with Justice Fathima Beevi, who, in 1989, became the first woman judge of the Supreme Court. Later, Justice Leila Seth made history in 1991 as the first woman to head a state High Court, serving as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Justice Nagarathna’s forthcoming role as Chief Justice is not merely a personal triumph but a national milestone — a step that reaffirms the aspirations of a more balanced, just, and representative judiciary in the world’s largest democracy.
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