Chief Justice of India: A Pillar of Justice and Law

Explore the role and responsibilities of the Chief Justice of India, the highest-ranking judge, and pivotal figure in the Indian judiciary system.

Here is a comprehensive article detailing the latest updates regarding the Chief Justice of India as of November 24, 2025.

New Era for the Judiciary: Justice Surya Kant Sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India

New Delhi, November 24, 2025 — In a historic ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, Justice Surya Kant took the oath of office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He succeeds Justice B.R. Gavai, who demitted office yesterday after a brief but impactful six-month tenure.

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The swearing-in ceremony, administered by President Droupadi Murmu, was marked by unprecedented international diplomatic presence, signaling the growing global engagement of the Indian judiciary.

1. The Historic Swearing-In

For the first time in the history of the Supreme Court of India, the oath-taking ceremony was attended by Chief Justices and top judicial representatives from six nations—Nepal, Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.

• Dignitaries Present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, and other senior cabinet members witnessed the transition of power.
• Significance: The presence of foreign judicial heads underscores India’s rising soft power and the Supreme Court’s reputation as a robust constitutional arbiter in the Global South.

2. Profile: Who is CJI Surya Kant?

Hailing from a middle-class family in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant’s journey to the highest judicial office is a story of grit and merit.

• Tenure: Unlike his immediate predecessors who had shorter terms, CJI Surya Kant will serve for nearly 15 months, retiring on February 9, 2027. This extended tenure is expected to bring administrative stability to the collegium and the registry.
• Legal Journey: He started his practice in 1984, became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000, and later served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in May 2019.

3. Key Judicial Interventions

Justice Surya Kant is known for a balanced judicial approach, blending firm constitutionalism with a progressive outlook on civil liberties. His track record includes pivotal roles in several landmark cases:

• Abrogation of Article 370: He was part of the historic Constitution Bench that upheld the Centre’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Sedition Law (Section 124A): He was on the bench that effectively put the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, ordering that no new FIRs be registered until the government reviews the provision—a major win for free speech.
• The Pegasus Probe: Asserting that the state cannot get a “free pass” on grounds of national security, he was part of the bench that ordered an independent probe into the alleged use of Pegasus spyware.
• Gender Justice: He has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, recently directing that one-third of seats in Bar Association executive bodies be reserved for women.

4. The Legacy of Predecessor Justice B.R. Gavai

The outgoing CJI, Justice B.R. Gavai, though serving a short term (May 2025 – Nov 2025), left an indelible mark as the second Dalit Chief Justice of India.

• “Bulldozer Justice” Verdict: In his final days in office, he led the bench that laid down strict pan-India guidelines against the arbitrary demolition of properties of accused persons, terming such executive actions as unconstitutional.
• Diversity Champion: His tenure saw a significant push for social diversity in judicial appointments, with a high number of judges from SC, OBC, and minority communities appointed to High Courts.

5. The Road Ahead: Priorities and Challenges

In his first address to the media, CJI Surya Kant highlighted his immediate priorities:

1. Tackling the Backlog: With the Supreme Court’s pending cases touching the 90,000 mark, his primary focus will be on case management and reducing arrears.
2. Judicial Infrastructure: He is expected to push for the modernization of court infrastructure and the integration of AI to streamline administrative processes.
3. Constitutional Matters: Several high-profile constitutional cases, including those related to the boundaries of legislative powers and digital privacy, are listed for hearing during his tenure.

Chief Justice of India: Conclusion

As Justice Surya Kant takes the helm, the Indian judiciary enters a period of anticipated stability. With a 15-month runway, he possesses the time and mandate to implement structural reforms that could reshape the efficiency of the Supreme Court, balancing the weight of arrears with the quality of justice.