National Current Affairs
Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd CJI
- 31 Oct 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Key Points
- About:
- He will assume office as the Chief Justice of India on 24th November 2025, succeeding CJI B. R. Gavai, and will serve a 15-month tenure until 10th February 2027.
- He will be the first Chief Justice of India from Haryana.
- He is a first-generation lawyer known for his forthright observations, balanced judgments, and emphasis on constitutional morality.
- His tenure is expected to focus on judicial accessibility, administrative reforms, and consistency in constitutional interpretation.
- Notable Judgments:
- Article 370: Part of the five-judge bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370.
- Minority Tag to AMU: Member of the bench that delivered the verdict on Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status.
- Election Commission Oversight: Currently heading a bench supervising the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar.
- About Chief Justice of India:
- A Supreme Court judge, including the CJI, is appointed by the President under Article 124 (2).
- The senior-most judge is designated as CJI based on length of service ( it is customary practice, not a legal requirement ).
- 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.
- The CJI can only be removed by the President after an address by Parliament, supported by a special majority in both Houses.
