53rd Chief Justice of India: Justice Surya Kant — Profile, Appointment, and Role
The Indian judiciary is preparing to witness another historic transition at its highest level. Justice Surya Kant has been recommended to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) by the current CJI, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai. If the formal process proceeds as expected, Justice Surya Kant will assume office on 24 November 2025, following CJI Gavai’s retirement on 23 November 2025.
Justice Surya Kant: Early Life and Judicial Career
Justice Surya Kant is known for his distinguished legal and judicial career spanning over four decades, marked by his contributions to constitutional law and access to justice.
Career Highlights
Youngest Advocate General of Haryana – Appointed on 7 July 2000.
Designated Senior Advocate – March 2001.
Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court – Elevated as a permanent judge on 9 January 2004.
Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court – Took charge on 5 October 2018.
Judge, Supreme Court of India – Elevated on 24 May 2019.
Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee – Serving since 12 November 2024.
Justice Surya Kant has consistently advocated for the efficient delivery of justice and legal aid for marginalized communities, reflecting his dedication to judicial reform and inclusivity.
About the Chief Justice of India (CJI)
The Chief Justice of India is the highest judicial authority in the country and the head of the Supreme Court of India. The office symbolizes the independence of the judiciary and serves as the guardian of the Constitution of India.
Key Responsibilities
Case Allocation: Assigns cases and constitutes benches in the Supreme Court.
Judicial Administration: Oversees administrative functions of the judiciary and the Supreme Court.
Institutional Leadership: Represents the judiciary in coordination with other branches of government.
Constitutional Guardian: Upholds constitutional principles, ensures justice delivery, and maintains judicial independence.
Constitutional Basis
The appointment and tenure of the Chief Justice of India are defined under Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution.
Article 124(2): The President shall appoint every judge of the Supreme Court, including the CJI, after consultation with such judges as he deems necessary.
Retirement Age: 65 years (for all Supreme Court judges, including the CJI).
Tenure: Depends on date of appointment and age limit; there is no fixed term.
Appointment Process of the Chief Justice of India
The appointment follows a well-established seniority-based convention and a procedural framework known as the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP).
Step-by-Step Process
Seniority Convention:
Traditionally, the senior-most Supreme Court judge (after the outgoing CJI) is appointed as the next CJI, provided they are deemed fit.
Initiation by the Law Ministry:
About a month before the current CJI’s retirement, the Ministry of Law and Justice formally requests the CJI to recommend a successor.
Recommendation by Outgoing CJI:
The outgoing CJI consults relevant judges and submits the recommendation to the government.
Government Approval Process:
The recommendation moves from the Law Minister → Prime Minister, → President of India.
Presidential Appointment:
The President issues the warrant of appointment, officially designating the new Chief Justice of India.
This system ensures a smooth and transparent transition at the highest level of India’s judiciary.
Significance of the Chief Justice’s Role
The Chief Justice of India plays a pivotal role in:
Ensuring judicial accountability and independence.
Strengthening public trust in the justice system.
Supervising major constitutional and social justice cases.
Overseeing judicial reforms and the appointment of judges through the collegium system.
Justice Surya Kant’s elevation is expected to reinforce the principles of fairness, accessibility, and efficiency in India’s judicial processes.
Conclusion
With his extensive judicial experience and reform-oriented vision, Justice Surya Kant is set to lead the Supreme Court as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. His appointment signifies continuity, stability, and the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to constitutional integrity and public service.