Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai has initiated the process for appointing his successor by recommending Justice Surya Kant, the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court, to the Union government. Justice Kant, who is next in line based on seniority, is positioned to assume office when Justice Gavai retires on November 23. Upon government notification, he will become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, with an anticipated tenure of approximately 14 months, concluding on February 9, 2027.
Sources indicate that CJI Gavai will soon present his recommendation letter to Justice Kant. This action follows a formal request from the Union government on October 23rd, asking CJI Gavai to name his successor as per established convention.
In his endorsement, Chief Justice Gavai expressed that Justice Kant is fully “suited and competent in all aspects to take the helm,” adding that he “will prove to be an asset to the institution as its head.” CJI Gavai also drew a parallel to their shared background, noting, “Like me, Justice Kant also belongs to the class in society that has seen struggles at every stage in life, which makes me confident that he would be best suited to understand the pain and sufferings of those who need the judiciary to protect their rights.”
Justice Gavai assumed the role of the 52nd Chief Justice of India in May 2025. The customary practice involves the law ministry contacting the incumbent CJI over a month before their retirement to seek a recommendation for their successor based on seniority. The CJI then formally submits this name to the government.
As per the established memorandum of procedure (MoP) for judicial appointments, the Chief Justice of India is to be appointed from the most senior judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit for the position.
Following CJI Gavai’s recommendation, the government is expected to formally announce Justice Surya Kant’s appointment as the next Chief Justice of India, effective November 24th.
Justice Kant, who will be the first from Haryana to hold the top judicial post, has had a commendable career, characterized by strong administrative skills and academic dedication. He notably served as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana at 38 and was elevated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004 at the age of 42. He further enhanced his qualifications by obtaining a first-class master’s degree in law from Kurukshetra University in 2011.
After more than 14 years as a high court judge, Justice Kant was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2018, and subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
Recognized for his humility, calm demeanor, and deep sense of justice, Justice Kant is respected for his blend of legal rigor and empathy. He is particularly lauded for his administrative efficiency and his efforts to ensure consistency across high courts, especially in overseeing the performance of district judiciary.
Upon the official notification, Justice Kant is scheduled to take the oath of office on November 24, marking a significant transition in the leadership of India’s judiciary following Justice Gavai’s tenure.