The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant as his successor to lead the Supreme Court of India. The recommendation, sent to the Union Law Ministry earlier this week, follows the well-established convention of elevating the senior-most judge of the apex court to the position of Chief Justice.
Once the formalities are completed, Justice Surya Kant is expected to assume charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding CJI Gavai upon his retirement in November 2025.
Process and Tradition of Appointment
As per the long-standing judicial convention, the Union Law Minister writes to the incumbent Chief Justice of India approximately a month before their retirement, seeking the name of the next CJI. The recommendation is then forwarded to the Prime Minister, who advises the President to make the appointment.
The post of CJI is traditionally offered to the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit for the office. CJI Gavai, who will demit office on 23 November 2025, has thus recommended Justice Surya Kant — currently the senior-most judge after him — in line with this practice.
CJI Gavai’s Tenure and Contributions
Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019 and took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025. During his tenure of over six years on the Supreme Court Bench, he has served on nearly 700 benches and delivered around 300 judgments, including several Constitution Bench rulings.
His judgments have spanned a broad range of subjects — from constitutional and administrative law to criminal, civil, environmental, and commercial matters. His leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on the rule of law, protection of fundamental and human rights, and ensuring institutional stability within the judiciary.
Justice Surya Kant: The Next Chief Justice of India
Justice Surya Kant, currently serving as a judge of the Supreme Court, is widely respected for his depth in constitutional, service, and civil law. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019, the same day as Justice Gavai, and presently holds the position of Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee since 12 November 2024.
He is scheduled to retire on 9 February 2027, giving him over a year to serve as CJI.
Early Life and Legal Journey
Born in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981 and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. He began practicing law in Hisar’s District Courts before moving to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Specializing in constitutional, service, and civil law, he represented several major institutions including universities, corporations, banks, and even the High Court itself. His legal acumen and integrity earned him the distinction of becoming the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on 7 July 2000, and he was designated as a Senior Advocate in March 2001.
Judicial Career and Contributions
Justice Surya Kant was appointed as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 9 January 2004. He later served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court.
Beyond his judicial work, Justice Kant has played an active role in the promotion of legal aid and access to justice. He served as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for two consecutive terms between 2007 and 2011. He is also associated with the Indian Law Institute, a deemed university under the Supreme Court, and has participated in several prestigious national and international legal conferences.
A Legacy of Continuity and Stability
CJI Gavai’s recommendation underscores the judiciary’s commitment to continuity, seniority, and institutional strength. His decision to back Justice Kant — a jurist with decades of experience and an impeccable record — is seen as reinforcing the principle that judicial leadership should rest upon merit and seniority, ensuring the smooth transition of authority within the Supreme Court.
As India prepares for this transition in November 2025, Justice Surya Kant’s elevation will mark another chapter in the nation’s judicial history — one guided by experience, integrity, and an enduring commitment to upholding the Constitution.
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 Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant as his successor to lead the Supreme Court of India. The recommendation, sent to the Union Law Ministry earlier this week, follows the well-established convention of elevating the senior-most judge of the apex court to the position of Chief Justice.){kind=link}