Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India, to Assume Office on November 24

New Delhi, October 30, 2025: Justice Surya Kant has been officially appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice BR Gavai, who retires on November 23. The announcement was made on Thursday by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, marking a key transition in the country’s judiciary.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Meghwal said, “In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Justice of India with effect from 24th November, 2025. I convey my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him.”

Justice Kant’s appointment follows the recommendation of outgoing CJI BR Gavai, in accordance with the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), which mandates that the senior-most Supreme Court judge deemed fit for the position is elevated to the post. Justice Kant will serve as CJI until February 9, 2027.

Born on February 10, 1962, Justice Surya Kant has had an illustrious legal career spanning over four decades. Before being elevated to the Supreme Court, he served as the Advocate General of Haryana and earned recognition as a Senior Advocate at a notably young age.

Currently, Justice Kant serves as the Visitor of the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, and is the ex officio Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). His appointment is widely viewed as a continuation of judicial stability and commitment to justice in India’s highest court.