Justice Surya Kant will be the next CJI; Learn when his tenure

The Union Law Minister will, at an appropriate time, seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of his successor. Traditionally, this letter is sent a month before the current Chief Justice retires upon attaining the age of 65.

New Delhi: The central government on Thursday initiated the process for appointing the next Chief Justice of India, as the current Chief Justice, B.R. Gavai, is retiring from office on November 23. Sources familiar with the appointment process for Supreme Court and High Court judges said that a letter requesting the name of his successor will be sent to Justice Gavai this evening or Friday.

According to the Memorandum of Procedure, a set of documents guiding the appointment, transfer, and promotion of Supreme Court and High Court judges, the appointment to the post of Chief Justice of India should be made by the most senior judge of the Supreme Court who is considered fit to hold the post.

The Union Law Minister will, at an appropriate time, seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of his successor. Traditionally, this letter is sent a month before the current Chief Justice retires upon attaining the age of 65. Justice Surya Kant is the most senior judge after the Chief Justice of India and next in line to head the Indian judiciary. Upon his appointment, Justice Surya Kant will become the next Chief Justice on November 24 and will hold this position for approximately 15 months, until February 9, 2027.

Learn About Justice Surya Kant
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, into a middle-class family. He graduated from Government Postgraduate College, Hisar, in 1981. He graduated with a law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. He began practicing law at the Hisar District Court in 1984. He moved to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Specialized in constitutional, service, and civil matters. Represented several universities, boards, corporations, banks, and the High Court itself. Appointed the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000. Designated as a Senior Advocate in March 2001. He held the position of Advocate General of Haryana until his elevation as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004.

Justice Surya Kant to retire in February 2027
Nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority on February 23, 2007, for two consecutive terms until February 22, 2011. In 2011, he achieved the distinction of securing a First Class standing in his Master's degree in Law from the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. Will retire on February 9, 2027.