Appointed on October 30, Justice Kant will assume charge on November 24 and serve until February 2027.
Justice Surya Kant Set to Become 53rd Chief Justice
Justice Surya Kant is poised to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), following the retirement of Justice BR Gavai.
He will take oath on November 24, 2025, just a day after Justice Gavai steps down on November 23. Kant was officially appointed to the role on October 30.
About His Tenure and Background
- Justice Kant will serve as CJI for nearly 15 months, retiring on February 9, 2027, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65.
- Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, he rose from a modest beginning to become a senior Supreme Court judge.
- His judicial career includes roles as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court and as a judge in the Punjab & Haryana High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in May 2019.
Landmark Judgments & Contributions
Justice Kant has been part of several key constitutional rulings:
- He was on the bench that addressed the abrogation of Article 370.
- He contributed to rulings on the Pegasus spyware case.
- He has also been part of verdicts related to gender justice, electoral reforms, and balancing governor-president powers.
Significance of His Appointment
- Justice Kant will be the first person from Haryana to become CJI, marking a new milestone for the state.
- His elevation follows the tradition of appointing the senior-most Supreme Court judge as the Chief Justice, maintaining continuity in judicial leadership.
- Legal experts believe his rich experience and measured judicial temperament make him well-suited to steer the judiciary during a period of important constitutional challenges.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares to take oath, all eyes will be on how Justice Kant shapes the Supreme Court’s agenda through his tenure. His leadership will likely impact key areas such as fundamental rights, judicial reforms, and navigating India’s constitutional priorities.
