Justice Surya Kant Sworn In as 53rd Chief Justice of India, Pledges Focus on Key Judicial Reforms

Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, November 24, 2025, marking a significant transition at the helm of the nation's judiciary. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, as reported by The Hindu and other news outlets. This appointment positions him to lead the Supreme Court for nearly 15 months, concluding his tenure in February 2027.

He succeeds Justice B.R. Gavai, who demitted office on November 23, 2025, after serving as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. Justice Gavai's recommendation of Justice Surya Kant for the top judicial post was made on October 27, 2025, adhering to the established convention of seniority, according to a report by SCC Online.

Justice Surya Kant brings a distinguished career to the role, having been involved in several landmark verdicts that have shaped Indian jurisprudence. Notably, he was part of the benches that delivered crucial judgments concerning the abrogation of Article 370 and the electoral bonds scheme, as highlighted by The Economic Times. His judicial philosophy is often characterized by a balance of constitutional principles and social empathy, as noted by The Times of India.

Born in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant's journey from a middle-class family to the pinnacle of the Indian judiciary is a testament to his dedication, according to Business Standard. He began his legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985, specializing in constitutional, service, and civil matters. His early career saw him serve as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, a role he held from 2000 to 2004.

His elevation to the Supreme Court came in May 2019, following a tenure as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. During his time as a Supreme Court judge, he has contributed to over 300 benches, influencing various aspects of criminal, constitutional, and administrative law, The Economic Times reported.

The appointment process for the Chief Justice of India typically involves the outgoing CJI recommending their successor, usually the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, to the Union Minister for Law and Justice. This recommendation is then forwarded to the Prime Minister, who advises the President on the formal appointment, as explained by PMF IAS. This ensures a structured transition of leadership within the judiciary.

Justice Surya Kant's tenure is expected to be a period of significant judicial activity, with a focus on addressing the substantial backlog of cases and constituting benches for important constitutional matters, according to Law Trend. His commitment to judicial reforms and upholding constitutional values is anticipated to guide his leadership, as stated by Vajiram & Ravi.

• Justice Surya Kant's extensive judicial career began with his enrollment as an advocate in 1984, practicing initially at the Hisar District Court before moving to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and later a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004. His journey reflects a consistent dedication to legal service and a steady ascent within the Indian judicial system, as detailed by Grokipedia.
• A pivotal aspect of Justice Surya Kant's judicial record is his involvement in the landmark judgment concerning the abrogation of Article 370, which removed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He was part of the five-judge bench that upheld the Centre's decision in December 2023, a ruling with profound constitutional and political implications for the region, as reported by The Financial Express. This decision underscored his role in adjudicating matters of national significance.
• The appointment of the Chief Justice of India follows a well-established convention, where the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is recommended by the outgoing CJI. This recommendation is then processed by the Union Government and ultimately approved by the President of India under Article 124 of the Constitution. This process aims to ensure continuity and impartiality in the leadership of the judiciary, according to testbook.
• Justice Surya Kant's projected tenure of approximately 15 months, ending in February 2027, positions him to address critical judicial challenges. He has reportedly expressed a focus on clearing old Constitution Bench cases and reducing overall pendency, a significant concern within the Indian legal system, as highlighted by Supreme Court Observer. His leadership will be crucial in streamlining judicial processes and ensuring timely justice.
• Beyond Article 370, Justice Kant has been instrumental in several other key judgments. These include being part of the bench that put the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, ordered an independent committee to investigate the Pegasus spyware allegations, and upheld the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for defense forces. He also contributed to discussions on the electoral bonds scheme and the internet shutdown in Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating a broad impact on constitutional and civil liberties.
• Justice B.R. Gavai, whom Justice Surya Kant succeeds, served as the 52nd Chief Justice of India from May 14, 2025, to November 23, 2025. Justice Gavai's tenure was notable for his contributions to rulings on federalism, criminal justice, and equality, and he was the first Buddhist to hold the post, as reported by theprint. His leadership also saw efforts to promote diversity within the judiciary.
• Justice Kant's judicial philosophy emphasizes a balance between individual rights and civic responsibility, often reflecting social empathy in his rulings, as noted by The Times of India. He has delivered judgments on human rights, gender justice, education, and prison reforms, including a landmark ruling affirming the right of jail inmates to conjugal visits. This approach suggests a CJI committed to both legal precedent and societal welfare.
• The new Chief Justice's term is anticipated to bring renewed attention to judicial administration and the efficient functioning of the Supreme Court. His focus on clearing backlogs and addressing constitutional matters aligns with broader calls for judicial reform, as indicated by Law Trend. The legal community will closely watch his initiatives to enhance access to justice and strengthen the rule of law in India.