Justice Surya Kant take oath on Monday as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), beginning a 14-month tenure at the country’s highest judicial office.
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Kant, who succeeds outgoing CJI Bhushan R. Gavai. The appointment made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution following CJI Gavai’s recommendation.
Justice Gavai, who retired on Sunday upon turning 65, upheld the long-standing convention of naming the Supreme Court’s senior-most judge as his successor.
About Surya Kant
Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant began his legal career in Hisar in 1984 before moving to Chandigarh to practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Over the decades, he handled a wide array of constitutional, service and civil matters and represented major institutions including universities, boards, banks, corporations, and even the High Court.
He became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in July 2000, was designated a senior advocate in 2001, and elevated as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004.
Justice Kant later served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 2018 until his elevation to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. Since November 2024, he has been Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
Focus Areas as Incoming CJI
Speaking to the media ahead of assuming charge, Justice Surya Kant said reducing pendency in the Supreme Court and courts across the country would be his top priority.
One of his first actions would be to engage with High Courts to identify issues impacting district and subordinate courts. He also announced plans to constitute five-, seven- and nine-judge Constitution Benches in the coming weeks to take up long-pending constitutional matters.
Stressing the importance of strengthening alternative dispute resolution, he said mediation—especially community mediation—must be implemented effectively to reduce the massive backlog of cases. This includes disputes between states and those involving the Centre.
On the use of AI in the judiciary, Justice Kant acknowledged its benefits but noted the concerns. “AI can be used for procedural matters, but people want their cases decided by judges,” he said.
PM Narendra Modi stated through X, “Attended the oath taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead.”
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