On November 24, 2025, Justice Surya Kant was officially appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian judiciary. With a tenure set to last until February 9, 2027, Justice Surya Kant brings a profound legal career marked by significant judgments, setting the stage for transformative leadership in the Supreme Court.
In a solemn ceremony, Justice Surya Kant took his oath in Hindi, pledging his service in the name of God. The event saw the presence of eminent dignitaries such as Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the ceremony, there were exchanges of greetings and a customary photograph featuring key leaders like the President, Vice-President, PM Modi, outgoing CJI Justice Gavai, and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar also attended to extend his congratulations.
Justice Surya Kant’s path to becoming CJI is a testament to his dedication and legal prowess. Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, he began his legal career as a local advocate. His ascension through the ranks saw him serve as a judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court and later as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018. His elevation to the Supreme Court of India came on May 24, 2019. Justice Kant holds a Master’s in Law (LLM) from Kurukshetra University, where he graduated top of his class.
Justice Kant’s expertise in constitutional law is evident from his work on landmark cases, including the abrogation of Article 370, the Pegasus spyware investigations, and matters concerning free speech and citizenship. He has also contributed to crucial decisions involving electoral revisions in Bihar and the powers of Governors and Presidents in state legislation. These rulings underscore his commitment to upholding the balance between institutional integrity and democratic evolution.
As CJI, Justice Surya Kant has set forth an agenda focused on:
Justice Kant’s elevation as CJI symbolizes a commitment to continuity in constitutional interpretation and institutional reform. His tenure is expected to focus on balancing judicial independence with public accountability, fostering collaboration between the center and states on legal reforms, and emphasizing rights-based jurisprudence and transparent governance. As India navigates significant socio-political changes, his leadership is anticipated to ensure stability and progressive legal development.
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