Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, beginning a tenure that will last nearly 14 months. Administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he succeeds CJI Bhushan R. Gavai, who demitted office upon turning 65.
Justice Kant was appointed under Article 124(2) of the Constitution following the recommendation of outgoing CJI Bhushan R. Gavai, who maintained the convention of seniority in naming his successor. He officially assumed office on October 30, 2025, and will serve until February 9, 2027.
Justice Surya Kant has played a pivotal role in several high-profile and landmark verdicts, including:
Abrogation of Article 370: Contributing to the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status
Bihar Electoral Rolls Revision: Nudging the Election Commission to disclose 65 lakh voters excluded from draft electoral rolls
Pegasus Spyware Case: Participated in hearings and appointed a panel of cyber experts, emphasizing accountability even under national security concerns
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar district, Haryana, Justice Kant hails from a middle-class background. He progressed from a small-town lawyer to the nation’s highest judicial office. Notably, he topped his Master’s in Law in 2011 from Kurukshetra University, earning the distinction of standing “first class first.”
Punjab and Haryana High Court: Authored several significant judgments
Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh HC: Appointed on October 5, 2018
Supreme Court: Known for decisions on free speech, citizenship rights, and constitutional matters
Justice Kant was part of the seven-judge bench that overruled the 1967 Aligarh Muslim University verdict, paving the way for reconsideration of the institution's minority status. He has also upheld the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) scheme for defence personnel and continues to hear cases regarding women officers seeking parity in permanent commissions.
Justice Kant has emphasized grassroots democracy and gender equality in several rulings:
Reinstated a woman sarpanch who was unlawfully removed from office
Directed that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women
These judgments reflect his commitment to fairness, equality, and institutional reform.
Appointed a five-member committee led by former judge Justice Indu Malhotra to investigate security breaches during PM Narendra Modi’s 2022 visit to Punjab
Participated in a recent presidential reference on the powers of the Governor and President in dealing with state bills, a verdict with far-reaching implications across India
Justice Kant’s rulings often underline accountability and adherence to constitutional principles, even in sensitive governance and security matters.
In the Pegasus spyware case, Justice Kant emphasized that the state cannot claim a “free pass” under the guise of national security. He was instrumental in forming a panel of cyber experts to examine allegations of unlawful surveillance, showcasing his foresight on emerging technology challenges and citizens’ privacy rights.
Conclusion
Justice Surya Kant’s journey from a small-town lawyer to Chief Justice of India highlights his dedication, legal acumen, and commitment to social justice. His tenure is expected to focus on upholding constitutional values, promoting gender equality, ensuring government accountability, and addressing evolving legal challenges in technology and governance.