As Justice B.R. Gavai prepares to demit office on November 23rd, the Indian judiciary is set to welcome Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). The Union government has already initiated the process of appointing Justice Kant, currently the senior-most judge after CJI Gavai, to the highest judicial office. Justice Kant's appointment is expected to be formalized on November 24th, 2025, and he is expected to serve until his retirement on February 9th, 2027.
Born on February 10, 1962, Justice Surya Kant's journey to the Supreme Court is a story of humble beginnings and consistent dedication to the legal profession. He graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981 and obtained his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. He began his legal practice at the district court in Hisar in 1984 before moving to Chandigarh to practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court the following year. Justice Kant was appointed a permanent Judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. He also served as the Advocate General of Haryana. In October 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. Justice Kant is also the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee since November 12, 2024.
Justice Kant's tenure as a Supreme Court judge has been marked by his involvement in several significant cases. While specific landmark verdicts authored by him are still emerging, his presence on the bench has contributed to numerous rulings on constitutional and administrative law, civil law, criminal law, and more. He was elevated to the Supreme Court to ensure representation from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The appointment of Justice Surya Kant follows the retirement of the incumbent CJI, Justice B.R. Gavai, who assumed the role on May 14, 2025. Justice Gavai's relatively short tenure saw him participate in approximately 700 benches and author around 300 judgments on a variety of subjects, including fundamental rights and human rights.
The process of appointing the CJI adheres to established conventions. The Union Law Minister seeks the recommendation of the outgoing CJI, usually about a month before their retirement. The position is traditionally offered to the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit for the office.
As Justice Surya Kant prepares to take office, the legal community anticipates his leadership and contributions to Indian jurisprudence. His journey from a district court lawyer to the highest judicial office reflects his dedication and expertise. His tenure is expected to address critical legal questions and uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law.
