Centre Initiates Process To Appoint Next CJI As Justice B.R. Gavai Retires On November 23

The Central Government on Thursday initiated the formal process to appoint the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), ahead of Justice B.R. Gavai's retirement on November 23, sources told PTI. A letter requesting Justice Gavai to recommend his successor is expected to be delivered either Thursday evening or Friday, according to officials familiar with the procedure for appointing Supreme Court and High Court judges.

Appointment Procedure for the CJI

Under the Memorandum of Procedure, which governs the appointment, transfer, and elevation of Supreme Court and High Court judges, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit is traditionally appointed as the next CJI.

The Union Law Minister seeks the recommendation of the outgoing CJI "at the appropriate time" to finalize the appointment. Typically, this correspondence is sent about a month before the incumbent CJI retires at the age of 65.

Justice Surya Kant to Become Next CJI

Currently the senior-most judge after the incumbent CJI, Justice Surya Kant is next in line to lead the Indian judiciary. Following the formal appointment, he will assume office on November 24, 2025, and is expected to serve as CJI for approximately 15 months, until February 9, 2027.

This succession follows the established convention of seniority in the Supreme Court, ensuring a smooth transition at the helm of India's highest judicial authority.