Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India, bringing leadership continuity and reforms to the Supreme Court after CJI BR Gavai’s retirement.
WHY IN NEWS :Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India effective November 24, 2025, following the retirement of Chief Justice BR Gavai . |
Discover powerful Latin Maxims and simplify complex legal terms in seconds.
FACT :
The President of India, exercising constitutional powers, appointed Justice Surya Kant, currently the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) . The appointment will take effect from November 24, 2025, the day after CJI BR Gavai retires . Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment and extended his congratulations to the newly designated CJI .
OVERVIEW :
Earlier this week, Chief Justice BR Gavai recommended Justice Surya Kant as his successor, in line with the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) governing judicial appointments . The President of India approved the recommendation ensuring a smooth transition in the nation’s top judicial office . Justice Surya Kant will serve as Chief Justice of India till February 9, 2027 .
Step into the world of justice with Courtroom Chronicles
KEY ASPECTS :
The appointment of Justice Surya Kant marks another significant moment in India’s judicial history highlighting the continuity and stability of the judiciary .
- Justice Surya Kant began his judicial career as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2001 .
- He was later elevated as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018 .
- In May 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he delivered several landmark judgments .
- His tenure as CJI is expected to focus on judicial reforms, transparency and expediting pending cases .
LEGAL INSIGHTS :
The appointment of the Chief Justice of India is governed by Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to appoint Supreme Court judges after consultation with existing judges .
- The Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) outlines that the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is recommended for the position of CJI.
- The Law Minister forwards the outgoing CJI’s recommendation to the Prime Minister, who advises the President for the formal appointment .
- This process ensures transparency, judicial independence and adherence to the collegium system .
COURT’S VERDICT :
While not a judicial verdict, this constitutional appointment reinforces the independence and continuity of the Supreme Court of India . Justice Surya Kant’s elevation as the 53rd Chief Justice of India is expected to usher in a phase of judicial efficiency and progressive reforms .
Source – Supreme Court of India
Read also – Constitution of India
The LawGist ensures exam success with quality notes—TPL, Current Affairs, Recent Judgments, and more. Backed by trusted resources and videos, The LawGist is every aspirant’s first choice. Discover more at thelawgist.org
