SRINAGAR: Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, succeeding Justice BR Gavai. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Justice Kant’s appointment was confirmed on 30 October, and he will serve a tenure of nearly 15 months, demitting office on February 9, 2027 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. His elevation marks the latest transition in the leadership of the Indian judiciary.
Born on February 10, 1962 at Village Petwar in District Hisar. He did his law from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1984 and started practice at District Courts, Hisar in July 1984. In the year 1985, he shifted his practice to Punjab and Haryana High Court. Soon thereafter, Justice Surya Kant was regarded as an Eminent Service, Constitutional and Civil lawyer. He was appointed Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000 and was designated a Senior Advocate by the High Court. He held the office of Advocate General till his elevation as a Hon’ble Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004. He was also a Member of the National Legal Services Authority for two consecutive terms (2007-2011). He is also associated with various National/International NGOs and Law Associates.
