Centre Begins Selection Process for New Chief Justice as Justice B.R. Gavai Nears Retirement

New Delhi, October 23, 2025 — The Central government has begun the formal process to appoint the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) as the current head of the judiciary, Justice B.R. Gavai, approaches the end of his tenure next month. Justice Gavai is set to retire on November 23 after completing his term as the 51st Chief Justice.

According to official procedure, the Union Law Ministry has sent a communication to the incumbent CJI, requesting him to recommend his successor. The process follows the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), which mandates that the senior-most eligible judge of the Supreme Court be considered for elevation to the top judicial post.

If the convention is followed, Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge after Justice Gavai, is expected to become the next Chief Justice of India. He is likely to assume office on November 24 and serve until February 9, 2027. Justice Kant, who hails from Haryana, has previously served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court.

Justice Gavai’s tenure as CJI has been marked by several landmark constitutional and administrative decisions. His leadership emphasized judicial efficiency, digital transformation in court procedures, and upholding institutional independence. The initiation of the appointment process well ahead of his retirement ensures a smooth transition and avoids any administrative vacuum at the Supreme Court.

Officials said the formal recommendation from Justice Gavai is expected soon, after which the government will notify the appointment upon the President’s approval. The timely start of the procedure reflects the government’s adherence to established judicial conventions and its commitment to ensuring continuity in the functioning of the apex court.