Justice Surya Kant takes charge as India’s 53rd Chief Justice
New Delhi – Justice Surya Kant began his term as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Justice Kant replaced Justice B. R. Gavai, who stepped down on November 23. Justice Kant will serve until February 9, 2027.
Top leaders attended the ceremony. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and several Union ministers reached Rashtrapati Bhawan early in the morning. Their presence underscored the importance of the moment. The gathering included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other senior cabinet members.
Justice Kant now begins one of the longest tenures for a Chief Justice in recent years. His long term gives the Supreme Court extra time to hear major constitutional and social cases. As a judge of the Supreme Court, he worked on several important rulings. Therefore, his leadership may shape key debates in constitutional law, cyber law, criminal justice, and election-related reforms.
On Saturday, Justice Kant set the tone for his priorities. He addressed concerns about case arrears in the Supreme Court and across the country. He noted the mounting backlog in High Courts and district courts. He also said he wants to reduce pendency at every level. He explained that clearing old cases will guide his work from the start. His comment signaled that efficiency and judicial access will remain central themes during his tenure.
Justice Kant brings a long career in law to the top job. He entered public legal service early. At 38, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000. The state government designated him a senior advocate in March 2001. He rose quickly after that. On January 9, 2004, he took charge as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Later, he moved to Himachal Pradesh. On October 5, 2018, he swore in as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He joined the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. Each role broadened his experience. Each position also strengthened his understanding of judicial administration.
His academic path began in Hisar. He graduated from Government Post Graduate College in 1981. Then he pursued law at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak. He completed his law degree in 1984. His journey from a student in Haryana to the highest judicial office in India reflects decades of steady work, discipline, and institutional service.
Now, as Chief Justice, he faces a crowded docket. The Supreme Court will examine questions tied to individual rights, technology, federal powers, criminal procedure, and elections. Justice Kant enters office at a time when India’s courts confront growing workloads and evolving legal challenges. Even so, he expressed confidence that the judiciary can meet these demands through teamwork, clarity, and timely decision-making.
With his oath complete, Justice Surya Kant begins a new chapter for the Supreme Court. His tenure will shape how the country’s top court responds to modern legal and constitutional tests.
