Justice Surya Kant has taken oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Learn about his early life, legal career, major appointments, contributions to NALSA, and tenure details in this detailed legal educational article.
Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India
Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, with Justice Kant taking the oath in Hindi.
He will serve as the Chief Justice of India until February 9, 2027.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, former Chief Justice BR Gavai, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and Union Ministers such as Hardeep Singh Puri, HD Kumaraswamy, Piyush Goyal, and JP Nadda. Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also attended the event.
Early Life and Education
Born on 10 February 1962 in Petwar village, Hisar district of Haryana, Justice Surya Kant pursued his early education in his home state.
He completed his LL.B. from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1984, marking the beginning of his legal journey.
After completing his law degree, he began practicing at the District Courts in Hisar. In 1985, he shifted his practice to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, where he specialised in Constitutional, Service, and Civil law matters.
Professional Milestones
Justice Surya Kant’s distinguished career includes several significant achievements:
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Youngest Advocate General of Haryana (2000):
On 7 July 2000, he became the youngest person to be appointed as the Advocate General of Haryana. He was also designated as a Senior Advocate in the same year. -
Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court (2004):
He was elevated as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 9 January 2004. -
Role in NALSA:
From 2007 to 2011, he served on the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). In 2011, he completed his Master’s degree in Law, securing First Class First. -
Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018):
On 5 October 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. -
Elevation to Supreme Court (2019):
Justice Surya Kant was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 24 May 2019, where he served on several important constitutional benches. -
Executive Chairman, NALSA (2025):
Since 14 May 2025, he has been serving as the Executive Chairman of NALSA, playing a crucial role in strengthening access to justice initiatives across India.
Contribution to Legal Aid and Judiciary
Justice Surya Kant has been actively involved in promoting legal aid, judicial reforms, and access to justice. His work with NALSA has significantly contributed to expanding legal services to economically weaker sections of society.
He has also been associated with various committees of the Indian Law Institute (ILI), contributing to legal education and research in India.
Tenure as Chief Justice of India
As the 53rd Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing key issues such as:
- Judicial reforms and case backlog
- Strengthening access to justice
- Enhancing efficiency in court administration
- Promoting technology-driven judicial processes
His tenure until February 9, 2027 is anticipated to shape the future direction of India’s judiciary.
Conclusion
Justice Surya Kant’s elevation as the Chief Justice of India reflects his long-standing commitment to the legal profession and judicial excellence.
With his extensive experience in constitutional, civil, and service law, he is well-positioned to lead the judiciary and strengthen the rule of law in India.
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