CJI Gavai Recommends Justice Surya Kant as Next Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has recommended Justice Surya Kant, the second senior-most Supreme Court judge, as his successor. Justice Kant is set to become the 53rd CJI on November 24, 2025, following CJI Gavai’s retirement. His tenure is expected to last over a year, until his retirement in February 2027.
Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant to the Union government as the next Chief Justice of India, in line with established convention whereby the outgoing CJI proposes the senior-most eligible judge for the position[1][3][4]. Justice Kant, currently the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, is slated to assume office on November 24, 2025, immediately after CJI Gavai’s retirement on November 23[3][4][6]. Once officially notified by the government, Justice Kant will serve as the 53rd CJI, with a tenure extending until his retirement on February 9, 2027, which amounts to just over 14 months[1][4][5]. Justice Surya Kant’s elevation marks a significant milestone, as he will be the first person from Haryana to hold the country’s highest judicial office[2]. Born in Hisar, Haryana, to a middle-class family, Justice Kant’s legal career began in district courts before he moved to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, eventually being elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019[2][3][6]. His career is noted for a mix of constitutional clarity, social empathy, and involvement in landmark rulings on issues such as Article 370, gender equality, corruption, and free speech[5]. CJI Gavai has expressed confidence in Justice Kant’s ability to lead the judiciary, emphasizing their shared background of perseverance and a commitment to understanding the challenges faced by ordinary citizens[1][2][3]. The recommendation process followed a formal request from the Union Law Minister, in accordance with the memorandum of procedure governing judicial appointments[1][3][4].
