In a landmark development, Justice Surya Kant, a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). His appointment, effective November 24, 2025, was officially announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in New Delhi, following the approval of the President of India.
Born on February 10, 1962, in Petwar village, Hisar district, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s journey from a small-town lawyer to the country’s top judicial post is a story of perseverance, reform, and integrity. A law graduate from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, he began practising in 1984 and, in 2000, became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana — a testament to his legal acumen and leadership.
Over the decades, Justice Surya Kant has built a distinguished career rooted in justice, empathy, and accessibility. He served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India in 2019. Known for his forward-thinking judgments and emphasis on human rights, he currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), promoting access to justice for marginalized communities.
As he prepares to assume the nation’s highest judicial office, Justice Surya Kant is expected to lead with a vision of judicial reform, innovation, and inclusion, embodying the principles of fairness and public service that have defined his four-decade-long journey.
