New Delhi: In a major announcement, the Law Ministry has officially declared that Justice Surya Kant will be the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). The senior-most Supreme Court judge after current CJI Bhushan R. Gavai, Justice Surya Kant will take charge on November 24, 2025, the day after Justice Gavai’s retirement.
With this, Justice Surya Kant becomes the 53rd Chief Justice of India, marking yet another chapter in India’s judiciary.
Law Ministry Makes It Official
The Department of Justice, under the Ministry of Law and Justice, issued the formal notification on Thursday, stating that the President of India, exercising constitutional powers, has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India, effective November 24.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal congratulated him via Instagram, calling the appointment “a proud moment for the Indian judiciary” and extending his best wishes to the incoming CJI.
Tenure and Leadership
Justice Surya Kant will head the Indian judiciary for around 15 months, until February 9, 2027. Known for his sharp intellect, balanced judgments, and social sensitivity, he is expected to bring both discipline and reform to the country’s top court.
From a Humble Village to the Supreme Court
Born on February 10, 1962, in Petwar village, Hisar (Haryana), Justice Surya Kant’s journey is an inspiring tale of determination.
He completed his schooling in his hometown, graduated from Government PG College, Hisar (1981), and earned his LLB from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (1984). That same year, he began his legal practice at Hisar District Court, and by 1985, he was already making his mark in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
A Judge with a Heart for the People
Throughout his career, Justice Surya Kant has been recognized for his strong stance on social justice and constitutional values.
His landmark judgments have addressed land acquisition, compensation, reservation rights, environmental protection, and victims’ rights—always emphasizing the dignity of citizens and fairness in governance.
Youngest Advocate General of Haryana
Justice Surya Kant’s rise was meteoric.
In July 2000, he became the youngest-ever Advocate General of Haryana, and in 2001, he was designated as a Senior Advocate.
On January 9, 2004, he was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Later, in October 2018, he took charge as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, where his judicial leadership and administrative vision were widely acclaimed.
A Visionary Judge Set to Lead the Nation’s Judiciary
As Justice Surya Kant prepares to take over as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, expectations are high. With a deep commitment to social equity, judicial independence, and constitutional accountability, he is set to steer the Supreme Court through crucial times—balancing reform, integrity, and justice for all.
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