NEW DELHI: In a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking the start of his nearly 15-month tenure at the helm of the country’s highest court. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath around 10:30 AM, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah, and a host of senior judges and dignitaries in attendance. The event, attended by international judicial figures from Nepal and Sri Lanka, underscored the global respect for India’s judiciary.
Justice Kant, born in the small town of Hisar in Haryana, succeeds Justice B.R. Gavai, who retired on November 23 after a tenure focused on administrative reforms and backlog reduction. “This is a moment of great responsibility, not just for me but for the entire institution,” Justice Kant said briefly after the oath, his voice steady as he greeted PM Modi. The ceremony, broadcast live on Doordarshan, drew widespread praise on social media, with #CJIJusticeSuryaKant trending nationwide.
Appointed on October 30 under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, Justice Kant will serve until February 9, 2027, when he turns 65. His elevation comes at a time when the Supreme Court faces over 80,000 pending cases, including high-stakes constitutional matters on federalism, electoral reforms, and digital privacy. Legal experts see his leadership as a chance to push for faster trials and better access to justice for common people.
A Ceremony of Tradition and Transition
The oath-taking unfolded in the Ashok Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan under a crisp winter sun. Justice Kant, dressed in his black judicial robes, repeated the oath in Hindi: “Main, Surya Kant, shapath leta hoon ki main Bharat ke Samvidhan ki raksha karunga…” President Murmu, smiling warmly, handed him the scroll as the national anthem played. PM Modi, seated in the front row, later shared photos on X, writing: “Attended the oath-taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead.”
The guest list read like a who’s who of Indian governance. Apart from Cabinet ministers like Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, retired CJIs like N.V. Ramana and U.U. Lalit were present. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who assumed office earlier this month following the 2025 Vice Presidential election, extended greetings, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values. Justice Gavai, who was elevated to the Supreme Court alongside Justice Kant on May 24, 2019, shook hands warmly with his successor, a nod to their shared history. “We came together, and now we pass the torch,” Justice Gavai whispered, as per sources close to the event.
International guests added a global touch. Nepal’s Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut led a delegation, while Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice P. Padman Suresena attended with senior judges. This exchange highlights ongoing judicial collaborations on issues like cross-border disputes and human rights. “India’s judiciary is a beacon for South Asia,” Justice Raut said in a brief address, praising Justice Kant’s work on farmers’ rights during the 2020-21 agitation.
Back in Haryana, Justice Kant’s hometown of Hisar erupted in joy. Schools declared a half-holiday, and locals distributed sweets at the district court where he started his career. “From our dusty courtrooms to the Supreme Court – this is every lawyer’s dream,” said a senior advocate from Hisar, echoing the sentiment in viral X posts.
From Humble Haryana Roots to the Apex Court: Justice Kant’s Inspiring Journey
Justice Surya Kant’s story is one of quiet determination and sharp intellect. Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, to a modest family, he grew up in a village where access to education was a luxury. His father, a government clerk, saved every penny to send him to Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak, where he earned a bachelor’s in law in 1984. “Justice is not locked away in legal commentaries or textbooks; it is a sleeping force which judges must breathe life into and awaken,” he once said in a lecture, a line now quoted widely today.
Right after graduation, at just 22, he joined the Hisar District Court as a junior lawyer, handling everything from land disputes to family matters. By 1990, he moved to the Punjab and Haryana High Court as a senior advocate. His big break came in 2000 when, at 38, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana – a role he held until 2002, advising the state on key policies.
Elevation to the bench followed in 2004 as a Punjab and Haryana High Court judge. Here, Justice Kant made his mark with bold rulings. In 2015, he ordered Punjab and Haryana to form jail reform panels, stressing humane treatment for prisoners. He also mediated the 2011 Chandigarh mayoral poll controversy, ensuring fair elections. “He was always the judge who listened to the common man,” recalls a former colleague.
In October 2018, he took charge as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, the youngest ever at 56. His two-year stint there focused on environmental cases, like protecting the Yamuna river basin. The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by then-CJI Ranjan Gogoi, recommended his elevation in May 2019, and he joined the apex court on the same day as Justice Gavai.
At the Supreme Court, Justice Kant authored over 200 judgments, blending legal precision with empathy. He served on the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from 2007-2011 and became its Executive Chairman in May 2025. His push for legal aid reached millions, especially in rural areas. In 2011, he topped his Master’s in Law from Kurukshetra University with first-class honors – a testament to his lifelong learning.
Today, as CJI, he carries forward a legacy of “Indianness” in judgments, as lauded by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. “Both CJI Kant and his predecessor brought our heritage into the courtroom, shunning foreign precedents for homegrown wisdom,” Mehta said recently.
Landmark Judgments: Shaping India’s Legal Landscape
Justice Kant’s pen has shaped modern India. As part of the five-judge bench in 2019, he upheld the abrogation of Article 370, ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status – a verdict that redefined federalism. In the Pegasus spyware case (2021), he ordered a probe into surveillance claims, safeguarding privacy rights. “The right to privacy is not a luxury; it’s the soul of democracy,” he wrote.
His work on free speech stands out. In a 2022 sedition case, he clarified that criticism of the government isn’t sedition, protecting dissent. On electoral transparency, he urged the Election Commission to reveal why 6.5 million voters were dropped from Bihar’s rolls in 2024, pushing for fair polls.
During the 2020-21 farmers’ protests, Justice Kant played mediator, bringing unions and the government to the table when tensions peaked. “He saved lives by talking sense,” said a farmers’ leader. In gender justice, he advocated one-third reservation for women in bar councils. Other key rulings include upholding the OROP scheme for military veterans and examining AMU’s minority status.
These judgments show his balance: firm on law, kind to people. “Justice Kant doesn’t just decide cases; he resolves conflicts,” says senior advocate Indira Jaising.
Voices of Congratulations: A Nation’s Warm Wishes
The swearing-in sparked a wave of tributes. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee posted on X: “Heartiest congratulations to Justice Surya Kant! We look forward to his leadership upholding justice, democracy, and federalism. Jai Hind!” Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee added: “His elevation is key for our nation. May his tenure reinforce Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.”
NCP leader Parth Pawar said: “Best wishes to Hon’ble Justice Surya Kant ji. May he uphold constitutional values and strengthen the judiciary.” BJP MP Dr. Amar Patnaik tweeted: “Heartiest congratulations… Wishing a tenure of wisdom and integrity.”
On X, users shared pride: “From Hisar courts to CJI – Haryana’s son shines!” one post read, with videos of the oath going viral. News channels like India Today and The Hindu ran specials, calling it “a farmer’s judge for a billion dreams.”
Challenges Ahead: Clearing the Judicial Backlog and More
Justice Kant inherits a judiciary under strain. The Supreme Court has 80,000+ pending cases, including nine-judge bench matters on property rights and federal powers. “My priority is to fast-track Constitution benches and make justice reachable,” he told NDTV in a recent interview. “Never thought I’d become CJI, but now it’s about serving the people.”
Five big challenges loom: Reducing pendency (target: 50,000 cases by 2026), filling 30% High Court vacancies, digitizing courts post-COVID, tackling fake news via sedition reviews, and ensuring women’s safety in judgments. As NALSA head, he’ll expand free legal aid, vital for the poor.
Experts like former CJI Ranjan Gogoi say: “Justice Kant’s mediator skills will help. He’s practical, not just bookish.” With AI tools for case management on the horizon, his tenure could modernize courts.
A Bright Future: What to Watch For
As the 53rd CJI, Justice Surya Kant steps into a role that guards India’s democracy. His focus on “Indianness” – rooting decisions in local laws – promises balanced verdicts. From Hisar to Delhi, his rise inspires: If a village boy can lead the judiciary, anyone can chase justice.
Today, as he assumes charge, the Supreme Court flag flies a bit higher. “The Constitution is alive because judges like him keep it breathing,” said a young lawyer at Rashtrapati Bhavan. With 15 months ahead, India watches eagerly.
FAQ: All About Justice Surya Kant’s Appointment as CJI
Q1: When and how was Justice Surya Kant sworn in as the 53rd CJI?
A: Justice Surya Kant took the oath on November 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM in Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Ashok Hall. President Droupadi Murmu administered it in Hindi, as per tradition. The short ceremony included the national anthem and greetings from PM Modi and others. It was attended by 200+ dignitaries, including international judges from Nepal and Sri Lanka. Justice Kant then headed to the Supreme Court for a brief handover from outgoing CJI B.R. Gavai. Videos of the event are trending on X, showing his calm demeanor. This marks a smooth transition, with no delays despite the tight schedule after Gavai’s retirement on November 23.
Q2: What is Justice Surya Kant’s background and education?
A: Born February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, to a simple family, Justice Kant studied at Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, earning his LLB in 1984. He topped his LLM from Kurukshetra University in 2011 with first-class marks. Starting as a junior lawyer in Hisar District Court, he handled routine cases before becoming a senior advocate in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Appointed Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 at age 38 (youngest ever), he joined the High Court bench in 2004. He was Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court from 2018-2019 and elevated to Supreme Court in 2019. He’s also a visitor to the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, and has written on judicial reforms. His journey from village courts to CJI inspires many in rural India.
Q3: What are some key judgments delivered by Justice Surya Kant?
A: Justice Kant has been part of over 200 Supreme Court rulings. Highlights include: Upholding Article 370’s abrogation (2019), protecting privacy in the Pegasus case (2021), clarifying sedition laws to shield free speech (2022), and ordering Bihar electoral roll transparency (2024). As a High Court judge, he mediated farmers’ protests (2020-21) and pushed jail reforms (2015). He advocated women’s reservation in bar councils and upheld the OROP scheme for ex-servicemen. In the Tamil Nadu Governor case (recent), he ruled that the President and Governors aren’t bound by court timelines on bills. These show his focus on rights, fairness, and federal balance. “His verdicts blend law with humanity,” says legal expert M.C. Setalvad.
Q4: What is the tenure of CJI Surya Kant, and who will succeed him?
A: Justice Kant’s term starts November 24, 2025, and ends February 9, 2027 – about 15 months. He’ll retire at 65, as per Article 124(2). The next CJI will likely be the senior-most judge then, possibly Justice J.B. Pardiwala or Justice Augustine George Masih, per seniority. The Collegium will recommend in early 2027. During his time, he’ll appoint 10-12 new Supreme Court judges and oversee High Court elevations to fill 400+ vacancies nationwide.
Q5: What challenges does the new CJI face, and what are his priorities?
A: Top issues: Clearing 80,000+ pending Supreme Court cases (aim: 20% reduction in a year), resolving nine-judge bench matters on land laws and federalism, filling judicial vacancies (30% in High Courts), expanding legal aid via NALSA, and using tech for virtual hearings. Justice Kant prioritizes faster Constitution benches, transparency in elections, and gender-sensitive courts. “Pending cases are a mountain, but we’ll climb it step by step,” he said in an NDTV chat. He also eyes AI for case triage and more women judges (target: 33% by 2027).