Former CJI Gavai leaving the official car for his successor Surya Kant at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai set a new example by leaving an official Mercedes-Benz car for his successor Surya Kant after the swearing-in ceremony of his successor Surya Kant at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, November 24.

Justice Gavai, who retired on November 23, reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in an official car and left for his residence in his personal vehicle after the ceremony.

“After the oath-taking ceremony, Justice Gavai left the official vehicle designated for the Chief Justice and returned from Rashtrapati Bhavan in an alternate vehicle, ensuring that the official car is available for use by his successor to travel to the Supreme Court,” a person with knowledge of the matter said.

In a brief ceremony on Monday morning, President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd CJI. He took oath in Hindi in the name of God.

Justice Kant was appointed the next CJI on October 30 and will hold the post for about 15 months. He will step down from the post on attaining the age of 65 years on February 9, 2027.

Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former CJI Gavai.