Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the next Chief Justice of India, succeeding CJI Bhushan R. Gavai. A distinguished jurist from Haryana, Justice Kant will assume office on November 24, 2025, becoming India’s 53rd Chief Justice.
In a major judicial development, the Central Government on Thursday officially cleared the appointment of Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). The appointment, made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India, marks a significant transition in the leadership of the country’s apex judiciary.
A notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice stated:
“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from November 24, 2025.”
Justice Kant will succeed Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who is set to retire on November 23, 2025, upon attaining the age of 65 years. The appointment follows the time-honoured seniority convention of appointing the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court as the Chief Justice of India.
A Legacy of Judicial Integrity and Leadership
Justice Surya Kant, who will become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, will serve a tenure of about 14 months, demitting office on February 9, 2027. His elevation is widely seen as a continuation of the judiciary’s commitment to stability, merit, and adherence to institutional conventions.
Justice Gavai, the incumbent CJI, had earlier recommended Justice Kant as his successor, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition within the judiciary.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on February 10, 1962, in a modest middle-class family in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s journey reflects determination, intellect, and a steadfast commitment to justice. He completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981, followed by a law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.
Soon after, he began his legal practice in Hisar before moving to Chandigarh in 1985, where he established himself as a proficient advocate before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Over the decades, he handled a wide spectrum of constitutional, service, and civil law cases, representing numerous universities, corporations, boards, banks, and even the High Court itself.
Career Milestones and Contributions
Justice Kant’s professional rise has been marked by dedication and excellence. On July 7, 2000, he was appointed as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, an achievement that set a precedent in the state’s legal history. He was designated as a senior advocate in March 2001.
His judicial career formally began when he was elevated as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. Later, he served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 5, 2018, until his elevation to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
Justice Kant’s tenure across various judicial capacities has been marked by an emphasis on transparency, judicial reform, and legal service accessibility. He is known for his balanced judgments, deep understanding of constitutional law, and his concern for the welfare of marginalized communities through legal empowerment.
Commitment to Legal Services and Institutional Development
Beyond his judicial duties, Justice Surya Kant has contributed immensely to institutional and legal service reforms. He has served as a member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for two consecutive terms between 2007 and 2011, playing a vital role in promoting access to justice for all.
He is currently associated with multiple committees of the Indian Law Institute (ILI), a premier research institution functioning under the Supreme Court of India. Since November 2024, Justice Kant has also been serving as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, reflecting his continuous engagement in legal aid and judicial outreach.
A Vision for the Future Judiciary
Justice Kant’s upcoming tenure as the Chief Justice is expected to focus on judicial efficiency, technological modernization of courts, and strengthening legal aid networks. His leadership will likely emphasize enhancing the judiciary’s responsiveness, reducing pendency, and promoting a more citizen-centric justice system.
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As India prepares for this transition, Justice Surya Kant’s appointment stands as a testament to the judiciary’s institutional resilience and its unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
