The BRICS TimesSenior Judge Next in Line Set to Take Over in November
The current Chief Justice of India (CJI), Bhushan R Gavai, started the process to appoint his successor. He officially recommended Justice Surya Kant to the Union government on Monday. Justice Kant is the Supreme Court’s most senior judge.
Tenure and Official Appointment
Justice Kant is next in line for the role based on seniority. He can assume office when Justice Gavai retires on November 23. After the government notifies the appointment, he’ll become the 53rd Chief Justice of India. His expected tenure runs until February 9, 2027. This means he will serve for about 14 months.
Recommendation Process Detailed
CJI Gavai reportedly gave a copy of his recommendation letter to Justice Kant on Monday morning. This action follows the Union government’s communication on October 23. The government requested Justice Gavai to name his successor, following established convention.
Gavai’s High Praise
Chief Justice Gavai spoke to the Hindustan Times about his successor. He called Justice Kant “suited and competent in all aspects to take the helm.” He also added that his successor “will prove to be an asset to the institution as its head.” Justice Gavai noted their shared background. He said, “Like me, Justice Kant also belongs to the class in society that has seen struggles at every stage in life, which makes me confident that he would be best suited to understand the pain and sufferings of those who need the judiciary to protect their rights.”
The Convention Followed
Justice Gavai became the 52nd Chief Justice of India in May 2025. The Law Ministry conventionally writes to the sitting CJI just over a month before retirement. This letter asks for the recommendation of the next senior-most judge. The CJI then formally forwards the name to the government.
Judicial Appointment Rules
The memorandum of procedure (MoP) governs judicial appointments and transfers. Under the MoP, the senior-most Supreme Court judge should be appointed CJI. That judge must be considered fit for the position.
Upcoming Notification
Following CJI Gavai’s recommendation, the government is likely to issue a notification soon. This will appoint Justice Surya Kant as the next Chief Justice of India. His appointment will be effective from November 24.
Justice Kant’s Distinguished Career
Justice Kant will be the first person from Haryana to hold the top judicial office. His career features strong administrative and academic achievements. He became Haryana’s youngest Advocate General at 38. In 2004, at age 42, he was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He continued his studies after joining the judiciary. He earned a first-class master’s degree in law in 2011 from Kurukshetra University’s distance education.
Path to the Supreme Court
After over 14 years as a high court judge, Justice Kant was made Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in October 2018. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
