Justice Surya Kant has been formally appointed as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal made this announcement.
The Law Minister announced that the President of India has exercised his constitutional powers to appoint Justice Kant as the Chief Justice of India with effect from November 24, 2025.
Minister Meghwal said on
Justice Kant was appointed by Chief Justice of India B.R. The move follows the recommendation made by Gavai, who will step down from the post on attaining the age of 65 years on November 23, 2025.
According to the Memorandum of Procedure (MOP) governing judicial appointments, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, considered suitable to hold the office, is recommended as the next Chief Justice of India.
Being the senior most after Justice Gavai, Justice Kant will now take charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India and will hold the post till February 9, 2027.
Justice Surya Kant, born on February 10, 1962, has had a judicial career spanning over four decades.
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as Advocate General of Haryana and was designated as Senior Advocate at an early age.
Presently, Justice Kant serves as the Visitor of the National University of Legal Studies and Research, Ranchi, and is the ex-officio Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).