Justice Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant, a distinguished jurist with an extensive career in the Indian judiciary, is set to assume office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on 24 November 2025, following the retirement of Chief Justice B. R. Gavai on 23 November. His appointment adheres to the long-established convention of seniority in the Supreme Court, marking a significant moment as he becomes the first Chief Justice of India from the state of Haryana.

Early Life and Education

Justice Surya Kant was born on 10 February 1962 in Petwar village, located in Hisar district, Haryana. He pursued his early education locally before obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar. His inclination towards law led him to complete his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.
Continuing his academic pursuits, he later acquired a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) from Kurukshetra University in 2011, reflecting his enduring commitment to legal scholarship and education. His academic foundation and rural background shaped his nuanced understanding of social justice, constitutional rights, and governance issues in India.

Legal Career and Early Recognition

Justice Kant began practising law at the District Court in Hisar in 1984. The following year, he shifted his practice to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh, where he soon established himself as a capable advocate known for his balanced arguments and in-depth legal reasoning.
His proficiency and reputation earned him the distinction of being appointed Advocate General for the State of Haryana on 7 July 2000, at a relatively young age. This appointment made him the youngest person to hold the position in Haryana’s history. Recognising his contribution to the legal fraternity, he was designated as a Senior Advocate in March 2001 by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
During his tenure as Advocate General, Justice Kant handled several high-profile constitutional and administrative law cases, often focusing on governance, state accountability, and human rights. His professional integrity and fairness earned respect across political and legal circles.

Judicial Appointments and High Court Tenure

Justice Surya Kant was elevated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court as a Judge on 9 January 2004. Over his fifteen-year tenure, he presided over a wide range of matters, including constitutional law, criminal justice, environmental protection, and public interest litigation (PILs). His judgments frequently reflected a progressive interpretation of the Constitution, particularly in areas concerning social welfare and transparency in governance.
He served as a Member of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from 2007 to 2011, contributing to the expansion of legal aid and access to justice for underprivileged citizens. Additionally, he was an active member of committees under the Indian Law Institute, where he supported reforms in judicial administration and legal education.
Justice Kant was elevated as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on 5 October 2018, where he was instrumental in promoting judicial efficiency and technological modernisation within court processes. His tenure in Himachal Pradesh was noted for initiatives to digitise case management and for rulings that upheld environmental sustainability in ecologically sensitive regions.

Elevation to the Supreme Court of India

On 24 May 2019, Justice Surya Kant took oath as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. As a member of the apex judiciary, he has been part of several important benches adjudicating cases of national importance, spanning constitutional interpretation, federal relations, criminal law, and public policy.
Among his notable contributions, he was a member of the bench that examined the Arvind Kejriwal v. Central Bureau of Investigation (2024) case, connected to the Delhi Excise Policy investigation. The bench granted bail to the former Delhi Chief Minister; however, Justice Kant notably held that the arrest by the CBI was legally valid and conducted following due process, marking a judicially balanced stance between individual rights and procedural legality. His separate opinion in the matter highlighted his strict adherence to constitutional propriety and judicial discipline.
Justice Kant has also been associated with several other significant rulings, including matters on environmental jurisprudence, administrative fairness, and governance transparency. He is known for judgments that uphold institutional accountability, often emphasising that justice must balance rights with responsibilities.

Judicial Philosophy and Contributions

Justice Surya Kant is widely recognised for his pragmatic yet progressive approach to law. His judicial philosophy combines social empathy with constitutional rigor, reflecting an understanding of India’s diverse socio-political landscape.
Key features of his judicial outlook include:

• Protection of Fundamental Rights: Advocating a balanced reading of rights, particularly those related to equality and personal liberty.
• Administrative Accountability: Emphasising that public power must be exercised within the bounds of legality and ethics.
• Environmental and Social Justice: Supporting sustainable development and environmental safeguards, especially in hill and tribal regions.
• Legal Access and Reform: Promoting digitisation, simplification of procedures, and accessibility of justice to the common citizen.

Justice Kant has often articulated that the judiciary must remain independent yet responsive, safeguarding democratic values while maintaining institutional restraint.

Personal Traits and Professional Ethos

Known for his courteous demeanour, clear reasoning, and disciplined work ethic, Justice Kant is regarded among peers and advocates as a scholar-judge. He frequently encourages young lawyers to combine legal expertise with social awareness and professional humility. His orations at legal education events often stress the need for judicial sensitivity in a changing society.

Tenure as Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant will assume the role of the 53rd Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025, serving until 9 February 2027. His tenure is expected to focus on:

• Judicial efficiency and transparency, particularly through case digitisation and time-bound hearings.
• Institutional reforms, ensuring accountability within the judiciary.
• Strengthening access to justice, especially in rural and marginalised communities.
• Enhancing coordination between the judiciary and executive, while maintaining judicial independence.

His leadership comes at a crucial juncture when the judiciary faces challenges relating to case pendency, judicial appointments, and public confidence in legal institutions.

Legacy and Significance

Justice Surya Kant’s elevation as India’s first Chief Justice from Haryana is a milestone reflecting the growing inclusivity of India’s judicial landscape. His career—from a small-town advocate to the nation’s top judge—symbolises the egalitarian spirit of the Indian judicial system, where merit, dedication, and integrity define leadership.