New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R. Gavai has initiated the process to appoint his successor by recommending the name of Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, to the Union government.
Justice Kant, who is next in line by seniority, is expected to take charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India following Justice Gavai’s retirement on November 23. Once the government issues the official notification, Justice Kant will assume office on November 24 and serve until his superannuation on February 9, 2027 — a tenure of about 14 months.
According to officials familiar with the matter, CJI Gavai is likely to hand over a copy of his recommendation letter to Justice Kant shortly. The recommendation follows the Union Law Ministry’s communication dated October 23, which formally requested the CJI to name his successor, as per established convention.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, CJI Gavai described Justice Kant as “suited and competent in all aspects to take the helm,” expressing confidence that he would prove to be “an asset to the institution.” Reflecting on their shared experiences, Justice Gavai said, “Like me, Justice Kant also belongs to a class in society that has faced struggles at every stage of life, which makes me confident that he will understand the pain and suffering of those seeking justice.”
Justice Gavai took office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India in May 2025. As per long-standing practice, the Law Ministry seeks a recommendation for the next Chief Justice roughly a month before the incumbent’s retirement. Under the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) that governs judicial appointments, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit is appointed as the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Surya Kant will be the first CJI from Haryana. He began his legal career with several milestones — becoming the youngest Advocate General of Haryana at the age of 38, before being elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004 at 42. In 2011, while serving on the bench, he earned a first-class master’s degree in law from Kurukshetra University.
After serving for over 14 years as a high court judge, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2018 and later elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
Known for his humility, fairness, and administrative acumen, Justice Kant has been widely respected for promoting consistency across high courts and for his efforts in strengthening the district judiciary.
Following the official notification, Justice Kant will be sworn in on November 24, ushering in a new phase in the leadership of the Indian judiciary after Justice Gavai’s tenure.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com