The legal landscape of India is abuzz with the recommendation of Justice Surya Kant as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). Current CJI B.R. Gavai has formally put forward Justice Kant’s name, who is the senior-most judge after him in the Supreme Court. This significant recommendation has been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, adhering to the established Memorandum of Procedure for appointing high-ranking judicial figures.
Justice Surya Kant is poised to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, pending a formal notification from the Centre. He is expected to take office on November 23 and will serve until February 27, 2027.
From Haryana’s Villages to the Apex Court: Who is Justice Surya Kant?
Born in 1962 in Petwar, a small village in Hisar district, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s story is one of ascending from modest beginnings. His early education took place in Hisar, culminating in his graduation from Government Post Graduate College in 1981. Three years later, he earned his Bachelor of Laws from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, marking the start of his legal practice at the Hisar district court.
In 1985, he transitioned to Chandigarh, where he honed his skills at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Here, he specialized in Constitutional, Service, and Civil law, quickly building a reputation for his incisive arguments and deep understanding of constitutional law. By 2001, his talents were recognized with the designation of Senior Advocate, and in 2008, he was appointed as the Advocate General for Haryana.
Justice Kant’s dedication to learning remained unwavering. In 2011, he further distinguished himself by obtaining a Master of Laws from Kurukshetra University, graduating at the top of his class.
A Steady Ascent Through the Judicial Ranks
His judicial career officially began in January 2004 with his elevation as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Throughout his tenure, his judgments consistently showcased a harmonious blend of constitutional principle and profound social empathy. A notable example is the landmark Jasvir Singh judgment, where he directed the Punjab government to establish a Jail Reforms Committee aimed at facilitating conjugal and family visits for inmates—a decision rooted in the principles of reformatory justice.
In October 2018, Justice Kant assumed the role of Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. His trajectory continued upward, and less than a year later, in May 2019, he was elevated 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 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 Guiding Judicial Principles
Across his extensive judicial career, Justice Kant has presided over a diverse range of cases, impacting human rights, gender justice, education, and prison reform. His judicial philosophy consistently emphasizes the critical balance between individual rights and civic responsibility.
In a widely discussed hearing pertaining to the ‘India’s Got Latent’ case, Justice Kant garnered public attention for his resolute stance on the limitations of free speech. He famously reminded the courtroom that “there is nothing like a fundamental right on a platter,” stressing that citizens bear the responsibility to perform their duties as a prerequisite to safeguarding their rights.
From a modest classroom in Hisar to the nation’s highest courtroom, Justice Surya Kant’s journey is a powerful testament to the enduring strength and democratic spirit of India’s judiciary. It is a path that clearly honors perseverance, intellectual prowess, and a steadfast commitment to public service.