CJI BR Gavi set to retire next month, Justice Surya Kant next in line

New Delhi: The Union government has sought the recommendation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai for the appointment of his successor. He is retiring on November 23.

This follows the convention in which the outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the highest judicial office of the country.

Justice Surya Kant is next in line as per seniority, making him the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He would assume office following Justice Gavai's retirement.

The Union Law Minister, Kiren Rijiju, under the Memorandum of Procedure governing appointments to the higher judiciary, seeks the outgoing CJI's recommendation for naming his successor, a process in place to ensure a smooth transition in judicial leadership. 

Justice Surya Kant, born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, began his legal practice at the Hisar District Court in 1984 and shifted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court a year later. He is known for his expertise in constitutional, service, and civil law. He represented several universities, boards, and corporations and also served as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000.

He was elevated to the permanent bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004, and later served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 5, 2018, before his elevation to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. He has also served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee since November 2024.

Justice Surya Kant is due to retire on February 9, 2027, giving him a tenure of nearly 15 months as Chief Justice of India (CJI) once appointed.

(Using IANS inputs)