The nation's judiciary is preparing for a significant transition. Justice Surya Kant, one of the most respected figures on the Supreme Court bench, is all set to take up the mantle as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). This appointment, a crucial moment for the country, follows the recommendation by the outgoing Chief Justice, Justice B.R. Gavai. Furthermore, Justice Kant's elevation is historic for another reason: he will be the very first Chief Justice to hail from the state of Haryana.
He is scheduled to take his oath on November 24th, ushering in a new chapter for the apex court. Consequently, the legal fraternity and the public alike are looking forward to his tenure, which is slated to run until early 2027. This move strictly adheres to the established convention of appointing the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court to the highest judicial office.
A Journey Rooted in Haryana
Justice Surya Kant’s remarkable journey began in Petwar, a village in Haryana’s Hisar district, where he was born on February 10, 1962. Initially, his education in law was completed at Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak in 1984, laying the fundamental groundwork for his distinguished career. Also, he later pursued and obtained his Master’s degree in Law from Kurukshetra University in 2011. He commenced his legal practice at the District Court in Hisar that same year.
However, it was his move to Chandigarh a year later, where he began practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, that truly set the stage for his rise. Indeed, his sharp legal acumen led him to quickly achieve prominence. He was appointed as the Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000, becoming the youngest person ever to hold that prestigious position. Therefore, his early career itself was marked by exceptional achievements and dedication to the law.
Climbing the Judicial Ladder
The transition from a senior advocate to a High Court judge was a natural progression for Justice Kant. Subsequently, on January 9, 2004, he was elevated to the bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Moreover, his contributions were not limited to just the court; he also served with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from 2007 to 2011. This period showcased his commitment to ensuring legal aid reaches all sections of society, including those who are marginalized. In addition, he served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court starting on October 5, 2018. His elevation to the Supreme Court of India came on May 24, 2019, cementing his place among the country’s top jurists.
His career is studded with key milestones:
- Youngest Advocate General of Haryana (2000).
- Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (2004).
- Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018).
- Supreme Court Judge (2019).
A Legacy of Thoughtful Decisions
Justice Kant has been a part of many crucial judgments that impact the daily lives of citizens across India. For instance, he was recently part of the Supreme Court bench that heard the high-profile case involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the CBI regarding the Delhi Excise Policy matter. While the bench ultimately granted bail, Justice Kant's individual view maintained that the arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation was legal and adhered to the due procedure.
Thus, this instance illustrates his commitment to a meticulous and balanced application of the law, a quality crucial for the highest judicial office. His measured approach ensures that all aspects of a case are thoroughly examined before a conclusion is reached. Ultimately, his nearly two-and-a-half-year term as the CJI will be a period of stability and experienced leadership for the Indian judiciary.
The entire nation is confident that Justice Surya Kant will uphold the dignity of the constitutional post and continue the legacy of judicial independence and fairness.
