New Delhi— The Union government on Thursday initiated the formal process to appoint the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), with incumbent Justice BR Gavai set to demit office on November 23, official sources confirmed.
According to officials familiar with the procedure, a letter requesting Justice Gavai to recommend his successor is expected to be delivered either Thursday evening or on Friday. The process follows the Memorandum of Procedure that governs the appointment, transfer, and elevation of judges to the Supreme Court and high courts.
As per established convention, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit to hold the position is appointed as the CJI. The law minister, “at the appropriate time,” seeks the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice for the appointment of his successor — typically a month before the incumbent retires on reaching the age of 65.
Justice Surya Kant, currently the senior-most judge after Justice Gavai, is next in line to assume the role. Once appointed, Justice Surya Kant will take charge as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on November 24 and is expected to serve until February 9, 2027.
Justice Gavai, who took office as the 51st CJI, will conclude his tenure after presiding over several key constitutional and judicial matters during his time at the helm of the Indian judiciary.
