Former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai marked his final day in office with a symbolic gesture of humility and protocol. After attending the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, Justice Surya Kant, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, Justice Gavai chose not to use the official Mercedes-Benz assigned to the CJI. Instead, he left the vehicle on the premises for the newly appointed Chief Justice and departed in his private car.

According to a person aware of the development, Justice Gavai arrived in the official car for the ceremony but ensured it remained available for Justice Kant’s first official journey to the Supreme Court following the oath.

Justice Surya Kant, sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, took oath in Hindi before President Droupadi Murmu. His tenure as CJI will extend until February 9, 2027, the day he turns 65.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, and several dignitaries, including the former CJI, attended the ceremony.

Justice Kant’s appointment, notified on October 30, marks the beginning of a nearly 15-month term, during which he will preside over key judicial and administrative decisions within the Supreme Court.