Justice Surya Kant today took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai, whose tenure ended on November 23, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Top Leadership Attends the Swearing-in Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony witnessed the presence of Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, former President Ram Nath Kovind and former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Justice B.R. Gavai’s Short Tenure Comes to an End
Justice B.R. Gavai served as the Chief Justice of India for six and a half months. His term officially concluded on November 23, 2025.
Justice Surya Kant to Serve Nearly 1.5 Years as CJI
Justice Surya Kant’s tenure as CJI will last for approximately one and a half years. He will retire on February 9, 2027. He is currently 63 years old.
Early Life and Legal Journey
Born in 1962 in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant began his legal career in Hisar in 1984. He later practiced at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In 2000, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana.
From High Courts to the Supreme Court
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2004: Appointed Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court
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2018: Appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court
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2024 (November): Took charge as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
A New Era Begins in the Supreme Court
With Justice Gavai demitting office, Justice Surya Kant now assumes charge as the highest judicial authority in the country. His tenure is expected to witness key developments in judicial reforms and access to legal services.