In a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office, which Justice Kant took in Hindi and in the name of God, marking the formal beginning of his tenure as the country’s top judge.
Following the oath, CJI Surya Kant greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and several dignitaries who were present at the event. A notable moment from the ceremony was his warm and affectionate handshake with former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, symbolising continuity and camaraderie within the judiciary.
Justice Surya Kant also took blessings from senior members of his family, reflecting the personal significance of the occasion. The ceremony witnessed the presence of several judges of the Supreme Court as well as Chief Justices and judges from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Brazil, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka, showcasing the international goodwill and judicial cooperation India continues to share with other nations.
A Distinguished Career
Born in 1962, Justice Surya Kant has been widely respected for his clarity of thought, administrative capabilities, and deep understanding of constitutional and civil law. His legal career began with a remarkable achievement — in 2000, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana.
He was elevated to the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004. In October 2018, he took charge as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, where he was known for modernising judicial processes and strengthening access to justice. His ascent continued when he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India in May 2019.
A Long Tenure Ahead
Justice Surya Kant will demit office on February 9, 2027, giving him a substantial tenure of more than 14 months as CJI — considered relatively long in the seniority-based appointment system. His term is expected to see key judicial reforms, increased adoption of technology, and a push for faster case disposal.
As Justice Surya Kant steps into his new role, the legal fraternity awaits his leadership at a time when the judiciary is confronted with complex constitutional questions, backlog challenges, and rising expectations for transparency and accessibility.
His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Supreme Court of India, with hopes of strengthening the justice delivery system and deepening public trust in the institution.
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