Govt Initiates Process to Appoint New CJI: Justice Surya Kant to Succeed Gavai on Nov 23

National News: The Indian government has started the process to appoint the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) as the current Chief Justice, B.R. Gavai, is set to retire on 23rd November, 2025. Sources familiar with the appointment process of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts said a formal request seeking the name of Justice Gavai’s successor is likely to be sent either this evening or on Friday. According to the process memorandum, which guides the appointment, transfer, and promotion of Supreme Court and High Court judges, the appointment to the post of Chief Justice of India should go to the most senior judge of the Supreme Court who is considered suitable for the role.

Recommendation Process for the Next CJI

The Union Law Minister will seek recommendations from the outgoing Chief Justice at an appropriate time. Traditionally, this letter is sent about a month before the current CJI retires at the age of 65. Justice Surya Kant is the second most senior judge after the current CJI and next in line to become the head of the Indian judiciary. Once appointed, Justice Surya Kant will assume office as the Chief Justice of India on 24th November and will serve until 9th February 2027, holding the post for approximately 15 months.

Early Life and Education of Justice Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant was born on 10th February 1962 in a middle-class family in Hisar, Haryana. He completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981 and earned a law degree from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. He began practicing law in Hisar District Court the same year and moved to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He specialized in constitutional, service, and civil matters and represented several universities, boards, corporations, banks, and even the High Court.

Career Milestones

On 7th July 2000, he became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana. In March 2001, he was designated as a Senior Advocate. He served as the Advocate General until his promotion on 9th January 2004 as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. From 23rd February 2007 to 22nd February 2011, he served two consecutive terms as a member of the governing body of the National Legal Services Authority. In 2011, he earned a first-class Master’s degree in law through the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on 24th May 2019 and will retire on 9th February 2027.

Retirement of Justice Surya Kant

After his appointment as CJI on 24th November, Justice Surya Kant will serve as the head of India’s judiciary for nearly 15 months until his retirement on 9th February 2027.