New Delhi – In a significant judicial development, Justice Surya Kant CJI has been officially appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, with the notification issued by the Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Justice Surya Kant CJI will assume charge on November 24, 2025, marking the beginning of a tenure that will extend nearly 16 months until his retirement on February 9, 2027, when he attains the age of 65 years.
The appointment of Justice Surya Kant CJI represents a continuation of India’s distinguished judicial tradition, with the incoming Chief Justice bringing extensive experience from both the High Courts and the Supreme Court. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal officially announced the appointment through social media, exercising the powers conferred by the Constitution of India.
Presidential Appointment and Official Notification
The formal appointment of Justice Surya Kant CJI was made by the President of India under constitutional provisions governing the selection of the Chief Justice. “In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court, as the Chief Justice of India with effect from November 24, 2025,” Union Law Minister Meghwal announced.
The Law Minister extended his congratulations to Justice Surya Kant CJI, writing, “I convey my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him.” The appointment follows established constitutional protocols for the selection and appointment of India’s highest judicial officer.
Succeeding Justice Bhushan R. Gavai
Justice Surya Kant CJI will succeed Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who demits office on November 23, 2025. The transition will occur seamlessly, with Justice Surya Kant CJI assuming charge the very next day, ensuring continuity in the Supreme Court’s leadership. This succession represents the orderly transfer of judicial leadership that characterizes India’s constitutional framework.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on February 10, 1962, in the village of Petwar in Hisar District, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant CJI has deep roots in the state that would later see him serve as its youngest Advocate General. He earned his Law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1984, demonstrating early academic excellence in legal studies.
The educational foundation that would eventually lead Justice Surya Kant CJI to the highest judicial office was built on rigorous legal training and a commitment to constitutional principles. His academic achievements would later be supplemented by a Master’s degree in Law, which he completed with First Class First distinction in 2011, showcasing his continued dedication to legal scholarship even while serving as a High Court judge.
Beginning of Legal Practice
Justice Surya Kant CJI began his legal practice in 1984 at the District Courts in Hisar, immediately upon completing his law degree. This grassroots experience in district-level litigation provided him with invaluable insights into the practical application of law and the challenges faced by ordinary litigants in India’s judicial system.
In 1985, Justice Surya Kant CJI shifted his practice to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh, where he specialized in Constitutional, Service, and Civil matters. This specialization in constitutional law would prove particularly significant, as it laid the foundation for his later judicial work on fundamental constitutional questions.
Historic Appointment as Advocate General
On July 7, 2000, Justice Surya Kant CJI earned the distinction of being appointed as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, a remarkable achievement that highlighted his exceptional legal acumen and professional standing. Simultaneously, he was designated as a Senior Advocate, recognizing his expertise and contributions to the legal profession.
Justice Surya Kant CJI served as Advocate General until his elevation as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. This four-year tenure as the state’s chief legal officer provided him with unique insights into government litigation and constitutional matters at the state level.
Judicial Career Progression
The judicial journey leading to Justice Surya Kant CJI’s appointment as Chief Justice encompasses significant milestones across multiple judicial forums. As a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, he served on the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from 2007 to 2011, demonstrating his commitment to legal aid and access to justice for disadvantaged sections of society.
Justice Surya Kant CJI was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018, gaining valuable experience in judicial administration and leadership. This position served as preparation for his subsequent elevation to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019, where he has served for over six years before his appointment as Chief Justice.
Current Responsibilities and Committee Work
Since May 14, 2025, Justice Surya Kant CJI has been serving as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), a position he will continue to hold after assuming the office of Chief Justice. He also serves on several committees of the Indian Law Institute, contributing to legal research, education, and reform initiatives.
Tenure as Chief Justice
Justice Surya Kant CJI will serve as Chief Justice for nearly 16 months, providing sufficient time to implement judicial reforms and address pending cases in the Supreme Court. His tenure will conclude on February 9, 2027, when he reaches the constitutional retirement age of 65 years.
Significance of Appointment
The appointment of Justice Surya Kant CJI represents continuity in India’s judicial leadership while bringing fresh perspectives shaped by his diverse experience across district courts, high courts, and the Supreme Court. His background in constitutional law, combined with his commitment to legal services for the underprivileged through NALSA, positions him uniquely to address contemporary judicial challenges.
Conclusion
Justice Surya Kant CJI’s appointment as the 53rd Chief Justice of India marks another chapter in his distinguished legal career, from his beginnings in Hisar district courts to the pinnacle of India’s judicial system, embodying the principles of merit, dedication, and constitutional commitment that define the Indian judiciary.
