2Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has officially recommended Justice Surya Kant as his successor, paving the way for him to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India. The recommendation, made to the Union government, follows the long-standing convention of seniority-based succession within the judiciary. Justice Kant is expected to assume office on November 24, 2025, a day after CJI Gavai’s retirement, and will serve until February 9, 2027.
In his recommendation, Chief Justice Gavai described Justice Kant as a jurist of “unquestionable integrity, deep legal insight, and commitment to constitutional values.” He noted that Justice Kant’s career reflects a rare blend of empathy and excellence, shaped by a keen understanding of grassroots realities.
Justice Surya Kant’s legal journey has been both distinguished and inspiring. Hailing from Haryana, he earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, and began his career as an advocate in district courts before ascending through the judicial ranks. In 2000, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, later joining the Punjab and Haryana High Court as a judge in 2004. His leadership as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018 and subsequent elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019 marked milestones in a career defined by scholarly reasoning and compassion for the underprivileged.
Justice Kant’s elevation will make him the first judge from Haryana to occupy the country’s highest judicial position. His judicial philosophy has been rooted in access to justice, human rights, and judicial efficiency — qualities that many observers believe will shape his tenure as Chief Justice.
The Union Law Ministry had recently sought Chief Justice Gavai’s recommendation for his successor, in accordance with the Memorandum of Procedure that governs judicial appointments. The nomination of Justice Kant ensures a smooth and stable transition in the Supreme Court’s leadership, maintaining the tradition of institutional continuity.
Justice Kant’s tenure will come at a pivotal time for the Indian judiciary, as it navigates complex questions of constitutional governance, technology in justice delivery, and expanding access to justice for citizens across all strata. His leadership is expected to build on ongoing reforms and deepen the Court’s engagement with transparency and digital transformation.
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