Justice Surya Kant was sworn in on Monday as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice Bhushan Gavai, who retired on Sunday. His tenure will last nearly 15 months, with his demission of office scheduled for February 9, 2027, when he turns 65.
Appointed as CJI-designate on October 30, Justice Kant brings decades of judicial experience and a strong record in constitutional matters to the role. Over his years in the Supreme Court, he has contributed to several landmark rulings, including decisions related to the abrogation of Article 370, the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls and the widely discussed Pegasus spyware case.
Born on February 10, 1962, in the Hisar district of Haryana, Justice Kant’s journey reflects significant professional growth—from practising as a lawyer in a small town to reaching the highest judicial position in the country. He completed his Master’s degree in Law from Kurukshetra University in 2011, graduating with “first class first” distinction.
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Kant served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court beginning October 5, 2018. He also authored numerous notable judgments during his tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
At the Supreme Court, he has been part of crucial benches addressing issues related to free speech, citizenship and the federal balance of power. He was also a member of the bench examining the recent presidential reference on the powers of Governors and the President in handling bills passed by state legislatures. The verdict, expected soon, is likely to influence governance in multiple states.
In another important matter, Justice Kant directed the Election Commission to provide data on the 65 lakh voters omitted from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls. The direction came during hearings on pleas challenging the Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of the state’s voter list ahead of elections.
With his elevation as CJI, Justice Surya Kant is expected to continue shaping India’s constitutional landscape through clarity, inclusivity and judicial integrity.
