Who is Justice Surya Kant, the Supreme Court Judge Recommended as Next CJI?

Justice Surya Kant is set to take over as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) following Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai's recommendation naming him as his successor. Once the central government issues the formal notification, Justice Kant is expected to assume office on November 24 and continue till February 9, 2027.

Chief Justice Gavai, while forwarding his recommendation, praised Justice Kant as "suited and competent in all aspects to take the helm," and noted that both shared a similar journey of perseverance and struggle.

"Like me, Justice Kant also belongs to the class in society that has seen struggles at every stage in life, which makes me confident that he would be best suited to understand the pain and sufferings of those who need the judiciary to protect their rights," Gavai told Hindustan Times.

From Hisar Roots to India's Highest Court

Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant's story is one of dedication, hard work, and humility. He completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, and earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.

Justice Kant began his legal practice at the Hisar District Court and soon moved to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985. His expertise in constitutional, service, and civil law quickly established his reputation. Over the years, he represented numerous prominent public institutions, including universities, banks, and state boards.

At just 38 years old, he was appointed as the Advocate General of Haryana in 2000, becoming one of the youngest to hold the post. His performance earned him the title of Senior Advocate the following year, highlighting his rising stature in the legal fraternity.

Distinguished Judicial Career and Notable Contributions

Justice Surya Kant was elevated as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2004. For over 14 years, he was known for his diligence, clarity of thought, and judgments that blended constitutional principles with a sense of social justice.

In October 2018, he became the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, a position he held until his elevation to the Supreme Court of India in May 2019.

At the Supreme Court, Justice Kant has been part of several Constitution Benches and contributed to key rulings, including the 2023 judgment upholding the abrogation of Article 370. Over his tenure, he has participated in more than 1,000 judgments covering diverse issues in constitutional, human rights, and administrative law.

Leadership Roles and Legacy Ahead

Beyond the bench, Justice Kant has played a crucial role in improving access to justice. Since November 2024, he has been serving as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee and the Visitor of the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi.

He has also been a two-term member of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and maintains a long-standing association with the Indian Law Institute, contributing to legal education and reform.

When Justice Surya Kant takes oath as the Chief Justice of India, he will make history as the first person from Haryana to lead the nation's judiciary. His elevation will also continue the seniority-based succession system followed under the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) that guides judicial appointments.