[3][4] An agriculturist by profession and an avid wrestler, Gavai was from the state of Maharashtra.

He is survived by wife Kamaltai and two sons Bhushan Gavai, a judge of the Supreme Court Of India, Rajendra Gavai, a prominent political leader and daughter Kirti.

[9] On 7 June 2009, Gavai gave the Central Bureau of Investigation permission to prosecute CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary and former Kerala Electricity Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the SNC-Lavalin case.

[10] This became controversial as he ignored the advice of the Advocate General not to allow the CBI to prosecute Vijayan.

The CPI(M) termed Gavai's decision as unfortunate and politically motivated,[11] whereas the opposition parties of the state, including Indian National Congress, welcomed the governor's decision.