On November 24, 2025, Justice Surya Kant officially assumed office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) after being administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His appointment marks a significant moment for the Indian judiciary, as he brings decades of legal experience and a strong track record of involvement in landmark judgments. His tenure as CJI will run until February 9, 2027, giving him a little over a year to lead the Supreme Court.
The Oath Ceremony
- Justice Surya Kant took the oath of office in Hindi in the name of God at a brief yet dignified ceremony.
- The event was attended by several high-ranking leaders, including Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Following the ceremony, Justice Kant greeted the Prime Minister, and a customary group photograph was taken featuring the President, Vice-President, PM Modi, outgoing CJI Justice Gavai, and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
- Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar was also present to congratulate the new Chief Justice.
A Journey from Hisar to India’s Highest Judicial Office
- Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s legal journey began as a small-town advocate.
- Rising steadily through the judicial ranks, he served as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, later becoming Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018.
- He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
- Justice Kant’s academic background includes a Master’s in Law (LLM) from Kurukshetra University, where he was awarded “first class first.”
A Tenure Shaped by Constitution and Reform
Justice Kant brings to the office a deep understanding of constitutional law. Throughout his tenure at the Supreme Court, he has been part of landmark rulings on,
- Abrogation of Article 370
- Pegasus spyware investigations
- Free speech and citizenship-related issues
- Special electoral revision in Bihar, where he questioned the omission of 65 lakh voters from the draft rolls
- Presidential reference on the powers of Governors and Presidents in state legislation matters
These decisions reflect his commitment to balancing institutional integrity with the evolving demands of a constitutional democracy.
Judicial Priorities as Chief Justice
Justice Surya Kant’s agenda for the top court includes,
- Reducing pendency: Strengthening lower courts and improving case disposal timelines
- Reviving Constitution Benches: To address long-pending matters requiring 5-, 7-, or 9-judge benches
- Enhancing mediation and ADR: Promoting alternate dispute resolution mechanisms
- Tech-led judicial innovation: Supporting digital case management and exploring AI tools, while reaffirming the human role in justice
- Ensuring judicial accessibility: Emphasising equality and sensitivity in the delivery of justice, particularly for vulnerable groups
Significance of His Appointment
Justice Kant’s elevation as CJI reflects continuity in constitutional interpretation and institutional reform. His tenure will likely see,
- Focus on balancing judicial independence with public accountability
- A push for collaborative centre-state coordination on legal reforms
- Strong emphasis on rights-based jurisprudence and transparent governance
As India approaches critical socio-political transitions, his leadership is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining judicial stability and progressive legal development.
Static Facts
- Name: Justice Surya Kant
- Position: 53rd Chief Justice of India
- Oath Date: November 24, 2025
- Retirement Date: February 9, 2027 (on turning 65)
- Born: February 10, 1962, Hisar, Haryana
- Education: LLM, Kurukshetra University
- Past Roles: Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court; Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Supreme Court Tenure Start: May 24, 2019