Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025. Learn about his career, appointment, and future impact on the judiciary.

Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 24, 2025, succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremony attended by senior leaders including Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Justice Kant’s tenure will last nearly 15 months, until February 9, 2027, when he reaches the retirement age of 65.jagranjosh+2​

Background and Appointment Process

The Chief Justice of India and Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President under Article 124(2) of the Constitution. The process follows the Memorandum of Procedure, where the outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most judge deemed fit for appointment. The Law Ministry takes the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President on the appointment. Justice Surya Kant was appointed as CJI after formal communication from the law ministry and the outgoing CJI’s recommendation.pwonlyias​

Judicial Career and Contributions

Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University in 1984 and began practice in district courts. Moving to Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985, he focused on constitutional, service, and civil matters. He became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and was designated senior advocate. Elevated as permanent judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004, he served there until 2018 when he became Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court. In 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India.livelaw+1​

Justice Kant’s tenure in the Supreme Court features landmark rulings on subjects including the abrogation of Article 370, free speech, citizenship rights, and suspension of the colonial-era sedition law until government review. He also contributed to rulings on electoral bonds, Pegasus spyware, and the powers of Governors and the President regarding bills passed by state assemblies. Since May 2025, he has served as Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), emphasizing access to justice.wikipedia+1​

Ceremony and Public Reception

The oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was brief but significant, with high-level attendance reflecting the importance of the judiciary in India’s democratic framework. The presence of President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and Vice President Radhakrishnan underscores the solemnity and respect accorded to the office. Experts and analysts acknowledge Justice Kant’s judicial acumen and expect a period of continued reform and strong leadership during his tenure as CJI.ndtv+1​

Implications and Future Outlook

As the 53rd Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant’s term is set for a critical phase in the judiciary’s evolution. His leadership may shape key legal precedents and influence reforms to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the Supreme Court. His prior judgments indicate a balanced approach towards constitutional integrity and fundamental rights, which will be vital in upcoming judicial challenges. The legal community and citizens alike watch with anticipation for his impact on India’s highest court.jagranjosh+1​

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of November 2025 and aims to provide an accurate overview of Justice Surya Kant’s appointment and career.