Justice Surya Kant to Become India’s 53rd Chief Justice

Justice Surya Kant, who was part of several landmark verdicts, including the historic judgment upholding the abrogation of Article 370, has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He will assume office on November 24, succeeding the current Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who is set to retire on November 23.

 

The official appointment was confirmed after the Law Ministry issued a notification based on the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice. With this transition, Justice Surya Kant will preside over the highest judicial office in the country.

 

A Distinguished Judicial Career

Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant earned his law degree from Maharshi Dayanand University. He began his legal career in 1984 and went on to establish himself as a leading advocate before being designated a Senior Advocate in 2001.

 

He was appointed as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2004 and later elevated as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2018. His elevation to the Supreme Court came on May 24, 2019. Justice Surya Kant is due to retire in February 2027, giving him a tenure of over two years as Chief Justice.

 

Contributions and Judicial Outlook

Justice Surya Kant has played a key role in several significant rulings concerning constitutional rights, democracy, gender equality, and environmental justice. His opinions in cases related to fundamental freedoms and judicial transparency have been widely acknowledged for their progressive reasoning and emphasis on constitutional morality.

 

He was also a member of the seven-judge bench that delivered the unanimous verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, affirming Parliament’s power to revoke Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.