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New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has written to the Union Law Ministry recommending Justice Surya Kant to succeed him as the next Chief Justice of India upon his retirement on November 23. Justice Kant, who currently serves as a senior judge of the Supreme Court, will assume charge as the 51st Chief Justice of India if the appointment is approved by the President. Justice Surya Kant’s elevation and tenure Justice Surya Kant was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. His tenure at the apex court will continue until February 9, 2027, giving him a relatively long tenure of over 14 months as CJI. His appointment will ensure continuity at the top of the judiciary, as several of his predecessors have had shorter terms. Early life and education Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, into a middle-class family, Justice Kant completed his schooling in Hisar before pursuing higher education at Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, from where he graduated in 1981. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. Legal and judicial career Justice Surya Kant began his legal career at the Hisar District Court in 1984 before shifting his practice to the Punjab and Haryana High Court a year later. His legal acumen and advocacy skills earned him recognition, and in March 2001, he was designated as a Senior Advocate. The same year, he was appointed Advocate General of Haryana, a position he held until his elevation to the Bench. On January 9, 2004, Justice Kant was elevated as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During his tenure, he delivered several landmark judgments, particularly in matters related to constitutional law, service matters, and social justice. In October 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, where he served until his elevation to the Supreme Court in May 2019. Expected tenure as Chief Justice of India If appointed, Justice Surya Kant will take over as the 51st Chief Justice of India and serve until February 2027. His tenure is expected to focus on judicial reforms, technological modernisation of courts, and enhancing access to justice. He has been known for his balanced judicial approach and his emphasis on upholding constitutional morality and accountability in governance. Justice Kant will succeed Chief Justice BR Gavai, who is set to retire on November 23 after a tenure marked by significant judicial interventions, including those related to electoral reforms, technology regulation, and constitutional matters. Tradition of seniority in CJI appointments As per the well-established convention, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India. CJI Gavai’s recommendation of Justice Surya Kant follows this convention. The Union Law Ministry will now process the recommendation and forward it to the Prime Minister, who will advise the President to issue the warrant of appointment.
