Justice Surya Kant takes oath as 53rd CJI

Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India at a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, with Justice Kant taking the oath in Hindi in the name of God. He succeeds Justice B. R. Gavai. Born on February 10, 1962, Justice Surya Kant is currently 63 years old and will retire on February 9, 2027, a day before he turns 65.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Chief Minister of Telangana A. Revanth Reddy, senior judges, former Chief Justices, dignitaries from the legal fraternity, and international judicial delegates from Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Justice Kant had also invited teachers, school and college peers, and elders from his village, reflecting his personal gratitude to those who shaped his journey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after attending the ceremony, conveyed his good wishes to the new Chief Justice, expressing hope that his tenure would further strengthen the justice system and uphold constitutional values. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also congratulated him, stating, “Congratulations to Justice Surya Kant ji on assuming the coveted and highest office of the Chief Justice of India. May your leadership of the highest judiciary of our great nation flourish delivering justice to all people in the country, especially the subaltern. I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Shri Surya Kant ji. His rich and varied experience as a legal luminary will help the judiciary as a guiding light.”

Justice Surya Kant has been associated with several landmark judgments, including the ruling on the abrogation of Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Known for his judicious approach and administrative capabilities, he previously served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He began his legal career at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he was designated a Senior Advocate at the age of 34.

With a tenure of nearly 15 months, Justice Kant’s leadership of the Supreme Court is expected to focus on strengthening judicial efficiency, transparency and the protection of constitutional rights, along with reinforcing public trust in the justice system.