Justice Surya Kant appointed 53rd Chief Justice of India, to enter office in November 24

By Tajdar H Zaidi 

Justice Surya Kant has been formally appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will take charge on November 24, 2025, following a government notification released by the Union Law Ministry.

He will succeed Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who retires on November 23. Justice Kant will serve as the nation’s highest judicial authority for nearly fifteen months, till February 9, 2027, when he turns 65, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court judges.

In a post on X, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the appointment, noting that it was made under constitutional powers vested in the President of India.

The minister also extended warm congratulations and wished Justice Kant success as he prepares to helm the country’s apex judiciary.

A Journey Rooted in Simplicity & Merit

Justice Surya Kant’s life story reflects a rise built on dedication and profound legal insight. Born on February 10, 1962, into a modest, middle-class household in Hisar district, Haryana, he grew up with a strong academic orientation and commitment to public service.

His early years shaped his work ethic, clarity of thought, and integrity—qualities that later became the foundation of his judicial philosophy.

After building a distinguished legal practice and earning recognition for his sharp advocacy, he joined the Bench and gradually emerged as one of India’s most respected jurists.

On May 24, 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he contributed significantly to shaping constitutional and public law.

Judicial Legacy & Key Interventions

Over two decades on the Bench, Justice Kant has authored and participated in numerous landmark rulings across diverse domains, including constitutional law, national security, fundamental rights, gender justice, governance, and electoral reforms.

Some major highlights of his judicial journey include:

• Article 370 Case: Played an instrumental role in hearings that reshaped the constitutional debate around Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.
• Sedition Law: Part of the historic bench that suspended the use of India’s colonial-era sedition law, barring new FIRs until the government reviews the statute—an unprecedented stand for civil liberties and free speech.
• Electoral Transparency: Urged the Election Commission to publish details of 65 lakh missing voters in Bihar, strengthening transparency and democratic accountability.
• Women’s Representation: Championed gender equality in legal institutions by directing that one-third of seats in Bar Associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, must be reserved for women.
• PM Security Breach Inquiry: Co-authored the decision appointing a five-member committee, led by former Justice Indu Malhotra, to investigate the breach during PM Narendra Modi’s Punjab visit—emphasizing judicial oversight on national security issues.
• OROP Verdict: Upheld the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) policy for armed forces personnel as constitutionally sound, reinforcing fairness in defense welfare.
• Rights of Women Officers: Continues to hear cases advancing equality for women in the armed forces seeking permanent commission.
• Aligarh Muslim University Case: Part of the seven-judge bench that overturned a 1967 verdict impacting AMU’s minority-status debate—reshaping a historically significant constitutional question.

A Future Guided by Constitutional Values

Justice Kant’s elevation is being seen as a reaffirmation of judicial independence, sensitivity toward constitutional liberties, and commitment to democratic institutions.

Known for his clarity, compassion, and balanced approach, he is expected to oversee crucial constitutional matters during his tenure and carry forward reforms for a more equitable justice system.

With a legacy defined by judicial courage, social equity, and democratic accountability, Justice Surya Kant steps into the nation’s highest judicial seat with widespread respect and optimism.

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