Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd CJI | 31 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the 53^rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). 

Key Points 

• About:  
  • He will assume office as the Chief Justice of India on 24^th 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.