NEW DELHI, Oct 27 — Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai has recommended Justice Surya Kant for appointment as the next Chief Justice of India, officials confirmed Monday.
The move follows the Centre’s communication last week asking the incumbent Chief Justice to name his successor, with Justice Gavai due to retire on November 23 after completing his tenure at age 65.
“The recommendation has been made in accordance with the memorandum of procedure, which requires that the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office be appointed as the Chief Justice of India,” an official said.
Justice Surya Kant, currently second in seniority, is expected to assume office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24 and will serve until February 9, 2027.
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant pursued his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, and began his legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His early rise through the ranks earned him recognition; at 38, he became Haryana’s youngest Advocate General in July 2000.
He was appointed a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2004 and later took charge as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2018. He joined the Supreme Court as a judge in May 2019.
Judicial circles noted that Justice Kant has consistently balanced constitutional interpretation with an emphasis on accessible justice. “He represents a generation of judges who value both reform and restraint,” a senior advocate said.
Once appointed, he will lead the Supreme Court at a time of significant legal and administrative transitions, including pending reforms in case management and judicial appointments.
