New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant as his successor, paving the way for the senior Supreme Court judge to assume the role of the 52nd Chief Justice of India following Justice Gavai’s retirement on November 23.
In keeping with the convention of seniority, Justice Gavai wrote to the Union Law Ministry proposing Justice Kant’s name for appointment as the next CJI. Once approved by the President, Justice Surya Kant will take over the top judicial post and is expected to serve a tenure of over 14 months, until February 9, 2027.
A Distinguished Judicial Career
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant comes from a modest background. After completing his graduation from the Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Law from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.
He began his legal career the same year at the Hisar District Courts before moving his practice to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985. Recognized for his legal acumen, he was designated as a Senior Advocate in March 2001 and went on to serve as the Advocate General of Haryana until his elevation as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2004.
Justice Kant’s judicial journey continued as he was appointed the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018, and was later elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
Tenure and Legacy Ahead
If appointed, Justice Surya Kant will become the first Chief Justice of India from Haryana. His tenure of more than a year is expected to provide stability at the helm of the judiciary, allowing him to oversee several key judicial reforms and constitutional matters pending before the apex court.
Justice Kant is known for his balanced judgments, administrative efficiency, and commitment to upholding constitutional values. During his time on the bench, he has dealt with cases spanning constitutional law, criminal justice, and civil liberties.
With Justice Gavai’s recommendation now before the government, the formal appointment order is expected to follow shortly, ensuring a smooth transition at the Supreme Court’s highest office.
