Justice Surya Kant: 53rd Chief Justice of India | 31 Oct 2025

Source: TH

Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna(B.R) Gavai.

• Appointment: The notification was issued by the Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, following the President’s approval.

Chief Justice of India

• Appointment: A Supreme Court judge, including the CJI, is appointed by the President under Article 124 (2).  
  • The outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most Supreme Court judge based on length of service as the next CJI (a customary practice, not a legal requirement).
• Qualification: To qualify as CJI, one must be a citizen of India, have served as a High Court judge for 5 years or as an advocate for 10 years, or be a distinguished jurist in the President’s opinion.  
• Tenure: The CJI holds office until the age of 65 years, with no fixed tenure, as it depends on the judge’s date of appointment and retirement.
  • The CJI can only be removed by the President after an address by Parliament, supported by a special majority in both Houses.