Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Justice Surya Kant on Monday as he formally stepped into the role of the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Modi, who attended the oath-taking ceremony, expressed his best wishes in a post on X, noting that he was honored to witness the moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Justice Surya Kant was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu, marking the beginning of a nearly 15-month tenure at the helm of the Indian judiciary. The ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries, including Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Former Chief Justices of India and several sitting judges from both the Supreme Court and various High Courts were also present.
Adding an emotional touch to the occasion, Justice Surya Kant sought blessings from his elder family members moments after taking oath, reflecting a gesture rooted in tradition and humility.
The event saw significant international participation as well. Delegations from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Sri Lanka attended the ceremony, representing a broad spectrum of the global judicial community. Distinguished attendees included Bhutan’s Chief Justice Lyonpo Norbu Tshering, Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome, Malaysia’s Justice Tan Sri Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan, Mauritius’ Chief Justice Bibi Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, Nepal’s Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice P. Padman Suresena.
Justice Surya Kant succeeds Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, with his appointment made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution following the outgoing CJI’s recommendation. During his tenure on the Supreme Court bench, he played a key role in landmark judgments relating to Article 370, the Pegasus spyware investigation, citizenship matters, free speech, and revisions in the electoral roll system.
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s rise from a small-town lawyer to the highest judicial office in the country highlights a career marked by dedication and excellence. He previously served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and delivered notable judgments during his years at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Justice Surya Kant will serve as Chief Justice of India until February 9, 2027, when he reaches the constitutional retirement age of 65.
