Context:
• Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will take charge on 24 November 2025, following the retirement of Justice Bhushan R. Gavai.
• His tenure will extend until 9 February 2027, making it approximately 16 months long.
Key Highlights
- Appointment and Tenure
- Justice Surya Kant will assume charge as the 53rd CJI on November 24, 2025.
- He will succeed Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who retires on November 23, 2025.
- His term as CJI will last about 16 months, ending on February 9, 2027.
- Professional Background
- Born in Haryana in 1962, Justice Surya Kant earned his law degree in 1984.
- Previously served as the Advocate-General of Haryana, the state’s highest legal officer.
- Positions Held
- Started his legal practice in 1984, specialising in constitutional, civil, and service matters.
- Became a Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2004.
- Served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
- Elevated to the Supreme Court of India thereafter.
- Roles in Legal Institutions
- Has served in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- Currently the Executive Chairman of NALSA.
- Also part of various committees of the Indian Law Institute.
Detailed Views
- Appointment Process
- His appointment was formally notified by the Department of Justice under the Union Law Ministry.
- Follows the long-standing convention of appointing the senior-most Supreme Court judge as CJI.
- Contributions to Judiciary
- Known for significant contributions in the fields of:
• Public interest matters
• Legal services delivery
• Judicial reforms within NALSA - As Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, focused on:
• Access to justice
• Technology integration
• Legal aid expansion
- Importance of the CJI Role
- The CJI:
• Heads the Supreme Court of India
• Chairs the collegium responsible for judicial appointments
• Oversees judicial administration and case allocation
• Plays a central role in India’s constitutional framework
- Role in NALSA
- As Executive Chairman of NALSA, he is responsible for:
• Free legal aid for marginalized sections
• Promoting legal literacy
• Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
Prelims Focus
- Articles related to the Supreme Court (124–147).
- Appointment process of the CJI.
- Role and powers of NALSA.
- Constitutional provisions for Advocate-General (Article 165).
Mains Relevance
GS 2 – Polity
- Independence of judiciary
- Collegium system
- Judicial appointments & reforms
- Access to justice via legal services authorities