India’s judicial landscape is set for a significant transition as Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has recommended Justice Surya Kant, the Supreme Court’s senior-most judge after him, as his successor. This pivotal recommendation, forwarded to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, adheres to the established Memorandum of Procedure governing high-level judicial appointments.
Justice Surya Kant is slated to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, assuming office on November 23, 2025, following a formal notification from the Centre. He is expected to serve a tenure until February 27, 2027.
From a Haryana Village to the Nation’s Highest Court: The Story of Justice Surya Kant
Born in 1962 in Petwar, a modest village within Haryana’s Hisar district, Justice Surya Kant’s journey is one of perseverance and academic excellence. He completed his foundational education in Hisar before graduating from Government Post Graduate College in 1981. His legal education culminated in a Bachelor of Laws degree from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984, after which he commenced his legal career at the Hisar district court.
In 1985, Justice Kant transitioned to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh, where he quickly distinguished himself in Constitutional, Service, and Civil law. His reputation for clear argumentation and robust constitutional understanding grew steadily. By 2001, he was designated a Senior Advocate, and in 2008, he took on the esteemed role of Advocate General for Haryana.
His commitment to learning extended beyond his early career; in 2011, Justice Kant achieved a Master of Laws from Kurukshetra University, graduating at the top of his class, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to academic pursuits.
A Steady Ascent Through the Judicial Ranks
Justice Kant’s elevation to the bench began in January 2004 as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His judicial pronouncements consistently reflected a profound balance between adherence to constitutional principles and a compassionate understanding of societal needs. A notable example is his landmark ‘Jasvir Singh’ judgment, which mandated the Punjab government to establish a Jail Reforms Committee. This committee was tasked with facilitating conjugal and family visits for inmates, a progressive decision rooted in the philosophy of reformatory justice.
His ascent continued in October 2018 when he was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Within a year, in May 2019, he received the prestigious call to the Supreme Court of India, following a recommendation from the collegium led by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi.
Beyond his Supreme Court duties, Justice Kant currently holds the influential position of ex officio Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and serves as the Visitor of the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi.
Judgments and Judicial Philosophy
Throughout his illustrious judicial career, Justice Kant has adjudicated a diverse array of cases, encompassing critical areas such as human rights, gender justice, education, and prison reform. His judicial philosophy is characterized by a thoughtful equilibrium between upholding individual rights and emphasizing civic responsibilities.
In a widely discussed hearing related to the ‘India’s Got Latent’ case, Justice Kant garnered significant public attention for his resolute stance on the boundaries of free speech. He famously reminded the courtroom that “there is nothing like a fundamental right on a platter,” stressing the indispensable link between citizens performing their duties and safeguarding their rights.
From a simple classroom in Hisar to presiding over cases in the nation’s highest courtroom, Justice Surya Kant’s journey is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of India’s democratic judiciary—a system that consistently honors perseverance, intellect, and dedicated public service.