Who is Justice Surya Kant, the 53rd Chief Justice of India?

• 24 Nov 2025
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On 24 November 2025, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, who had just retired the previous day. Justice Kant took his oath of office in Hindi and pledged his commitment to uphold the Constitution and faithfully discharge all his duties. 

Known for his clear, well-reasoned judgements and his balanced, compassionate approach to justice, CJI Kant comes with extensive years of experience in the legal industry. He has a deep understanding when it comes to law and has an impeccable reputation for fairness and judicial discipline. The new CJI will serve a little over a year as the country’s top judge, with his retirement scheduled for 9 February 2027, upon turning 65.

 CJI Surya Kant: Background, Education & Experience

On 9 May 2019, the Supreme Court collegium led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi proposed Kant’s elevation to the Supreme Court. He was subsequently sworn in as a judge of the apex court on 24 May 2019. Justice Kant was born on 10 February 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, and completed his early education in his hometown and obtained his LL.B. degree in 1984 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak - one of the top universities in Haryana. 

He began his legal career at the Hisar district court before moving to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on 7 July 2000, and was designated a senior advocate in March 2001. His elevation to the Bench came on 9 January 2004, as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. 

Later, in October 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. CJI Surya Kant is the first person from the state of Haryana to hold the position of Chief Justice of India.

Throughout his tenure as an SC judge, Justice Kant had made a significant contribution in several landmark judgments of Supreme Court. He was part of the historic Bench that was responsible for upholding the abrogation of Article 370, and ending the special status of the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir. 

He also served on the Bench that decided to strike down the electoral bonds scheme and was involved in important hearings concerning the Pegasus spyware issue and the temporary suspension of the sedition law. 

His role in the high-profile India’s Got Latent case attracted considerable public attention. The matter arose from a dispute involving Indian comedian Ranveer Allahabadia, who had taken part in the comedy talent show India’s Got Latent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is the first person from Haryana to hold the position of Chief Justice of India?

A. CJI Surya Kant is the first person from Haryana to hold the position of Chief Justice of India.

Q2. What is the tenure of CJI Surya Kant?

A. Chief Justice Kant will serve a little over a year as India’s top judge (about 14-15 months). His retirement is scheduled for February 9, 2027, upon turning 65.

Q3. Where did CJI Surya Kant get his LLB degree from?

A. He got his LLB degree from Maharishi Dayanand University (Rohtak) in 1984.

Q4. When will CJI Surya Kant retire?

A. He will retire on 9 February 2027.

Q5. When was Justice Surya Kant sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India?

A. On 24 November 2025, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Q6. Who did Chief Justice of India Surya Kant succeed?

A. He succeeded former CJI BR Gavai, the 52nd CJI of India.

Q7. What is the maximum tenure a CJI can serve?

A. In India, there is no maximum tenure for CJI. Their tenure ends when they turn 65, or if they resign or are impeached.

Q8. Who is the 53rd Chief Justice of India?

A. The 53rd Chief Justice of India is Justice Surya Kant.

Q9. When did Justice Kant take oath as the 53rd CJI?

A. Justice Kant took oath as the 53rd CJI on 24 November 2025. 

Q10. When was Justice Surya Kant born?

A. He was born on 10 February 1962, in Hisar, Haryana.