Justice Surya Kant to Lead Supreme Court for Over 14 Months

Justice Surya Kant appointed as next Chief Justice of India, will assume office on 24 November 2025, succeeding CJI BR Gavai, whose tenure concludes on 23 November. The Central Government formally approved the appointment following the recommendation of the incumbent Chief Justice.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment, stating that the President of India has approved Justice Kant’s elevation to the nation’s highest judicial office.

Justice Kant will serve as CJI till 9 February 2027, giving him a tenure exceeding 14 months, among the longer recent terms in the apex court’s history.

Distinguished Judicial Career and Background

Born on 10 February 1962 in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant hails from a modest background. He graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar (1981) and earned his LL.B. from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak (1984).

Beginning his practice in the Hisar District Court (1984), Justice Kant soon shifted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court (1985). His impeccable legal acumen earned him the distinction of Senior Advocate (2001).

He served as Advocate General for Haryana before being elevated as a Permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 9 January 2004.

Justice Kant was later appointed Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court on 5 October 2018, and subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 24 May 2019.

Judicial Outlook and Tenure Ahead

Justice Kant’s elevation to the highest judicial office symbolizes a continuation of the Court’s balanced jurisprudence. His extensive experience, spanning from the trial bar to the constitutional bench, positions him to lead the judiciary through key phases of institutional reform and jurisprudential evolution.

Justice Surya Kant is appointed as the next Chief Justice of India. He will preside over constitutional benches, collegium matters, and cases of national significance, ensuring judicial continuity and independence at the highest level.

Bench Details and Party Mentions

• Outgoing CJI: Justice BR Gavai
• Incoming CJI: Justice Surya Kant
• Appointing Authority: President of India, on the recommendation of CJI BR Gavai
• Announcement by: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
• Judicial Bench: Supreme Court of India, Constitutional Bench

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