Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath as India’s 53rd Chief Justice

Justice Surya Kant Becomes India’s 53rd Chief Justice

Justice Surya Kant has officially taken charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) , marking the start of a 14-month tenure that is expected to prioritise judicial efficiency, case backlog reduction and systemic reform. He was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu , following the recommendation of retiring CJI Bhushan R. Gavai .

Distinguished Legal and Judicial Career

Born on 10 February 1962 in Haryana, Justice Kant began his legal career in Hisar in 1984 before shifting his practice to Chandigarh. He specialised in constitutional, civil and service matters, representing major public institutions and earning recognition for his advocacy. In 2000, he was appointed Advocate General of Haryana , becoming the youngest to hold the position, and was designated a senior advocate the following year.

His judicial journey began in 2004 with his elevation as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He later served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018 before being elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019. Since late 2024, he has also chaired the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee , strengthening legal aid delivery.

Reform Agenda and Focus Areas

As CJI, Justice Kant has identified pendency reduction as his primary mission. He plans to coordinate closely with High Courts to resolve structural issues in subordinate courts and improve administrative oversight. He also announced the formation of 5-, 7- and 9-judge Constitution Benches to address long-pending constitutional questions.

His tenure will emphasise expanding mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, improving court infrastructure and using technology—while maintaining that AI should remain limited to procedural assistance.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Justice Surya Kant is India’s 53rd Chief Justice , succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai.

• Youngest Advocate General of Haryana (2000).

• Served as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court .

• India currently has 5.29 crore pending cases across courts.