Justice Surya Kant has been officially appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking a significant milestone in the Indian judiciary. His appointment was confirmed through an official notification issued by the Department of Justice under the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. Justice Surya Kant will assume charge on November 24, 2025, and his tenure as the Chief Justice will continue until February 9, 2027.
He will take over the prestigious post from Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who is set to retire from office on November 23, 2025. Justice Surya Kant’s elevation to the top judicial position comes as recognition of his decades-long service marked by integrity, legal scholarship, and dedication to upholding justice.
Born in the state of Haryana, Justice Surya Kant pursued his early education there before earning his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. His academic background laid a strong foundation for a distinguished legal career that would later span several decades.
In 2000, he achieved a rare distinction by becoming the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, a testament to his legal acumen and professional excellence. In this capacity, he provided crucial guidance to the state government on constitutional and legal matters and represented the state in several important cases.
Between 2007 and 2011, Justice Surya Kant served as a member of the governing body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), where he contributed significantly to expanding legal aid initiatives and promoting access to justice for the underprivileged. His active involvement in NALSA demonstrated his commitment to making the judicial system more inclusive and accessible.
Continuing his pursuit of academic excellence, he earned a postgraduate degree in law in 2011, further deepening his understanding of constitutional and legal principles.
Justice Surya Kant’s judicial career saw a major turning point in 2018, when he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. During his tenure, he was widely respected for his balanced judgments, administrative reforms, and emphasis on speedy justice delivery. His leadership brought greater transparency and efficiency to the High Court’s functioning.
In 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he has since been part of several landmark judgments. Known for his clear reasoning, empathy, and focus on social justice, Justice Surya Kant has built a reputation as one of the most respected judges in the higher judiciary.
Since May 14, 2025, he has been serving as the Executive Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), where he continues to champion initiatives that ensure free legal aid and promote legal literacy across the nation.
