Justice Surya Kant: All You Need to Know about The Next CJI recommended by CJI B R Gavai

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant as his successor to head the Supreme Court of India. The recommendation, forwarded to the Union Law Ministry earlier this week, follows the established convention of appointing the senior-most judge of the apex court as the next Chief Justice.

Upon completion of the official process, Justice Surya Kant is expected to assume office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding CJI Gavai upon his retirement in November 2025.

Appointment Process and Tradition

Under long-standing judicial practice, the Union Law Minister writes to the sitting Chief Justice about a month before retirement to seek their recommendation for the next CJI. The incumbent then proposes the name of the senior-most eligible judge, which is sent to the Prime Minister and forwarded to the President for approval and formal appointment.

CJI Gavai, who will retire on 23 November 2025, has accordingly recommended Justice Surya Kant, presently the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court after him, in keeping up with this tradition.

CJI Gavai’s Tenure and Contributions

Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019 and took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025. Over more than six years on the apex court bench, he has served on nearly 700 benches and delivered around 300 judgments, including several Constitution Bench verdicts.

His judicial work spans a broad range of fields - constitutional, administrative, criminal, civil, environmental, and commercial law. His leadership has emphasized the rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, and institutional stability within the judiciary.

Justice Surya Kant, currently serving on the Supreme Court, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional, service, and civil law. Elevated to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019, the same day as Justice Gavai, he presently serves as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee since 12 November 2024.

He will have a tenure extending until 9 February 2027, allowing him to serve as Chief Justice for over a year.

Born in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981 and obtained his LL.B. from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. He began his practice in Hisar’s District Courts before shifting to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985.

He specialized in constitutional, service, and civil law, representing various universities, corporations, banks, and the High Court itself. Known for his integrity and competence, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on 7 July 2000 and was designated Senior Advocate in March 2001.

Appointed as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 9 January 2004, Justice Kant later served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court.

He has also been active in advancing access to justice, serving as a member of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from 2007 to 2011 and contributing to the Indian Law Institute and various legal forums at national and international levels.

A Smooth Transition of Judicial Leadership

CJI Gavai’s recommendation reflects the judiciary’s adherence to the principles of continuity, seniority, and institutional integrity. His endorsement of Justice Surya Kant, a jurist known for his deep legal insight and impeccable record reassures that the tradition remains ‘as is’-the Chief Justice’s office rests on merit and seniority.

Justice Surya Kant’s elevation in November 2025 will mark a seamless transition at the helm of the Supreme Court, ensuring continuity in leadership grounded in experience, constitutional fidelity, and judicial independence.

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