Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As 53rd Chief Justice Of India: 10 Key Facts
India has a new Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant , a widely respected jurist known for his strong stand on equality, women representation in law , judicial transparency and landmark verdicts. Sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, he will serve for nearly 15 months at the Supreme Court.
Here are essential facts you must know about the new CJI of India, his journey from a modest background to becoming one of the country’s top legal minds.
10 Key Facts About Justice Surya Kant, the New Chief Justice of India
1. Justice Surya Kant Is India’s 53rd Chief Justice
Justice Surya Kant officially took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice BR Gavai. His appointment brings a strong focus on women representation in legal bodies and judicial reforms. (SEO keywords: Justice Surya Kant, new Chief Justice of India)
2. He Will Hold Office Until February 2027
Justice Kant will demit office on February 9, 2027, a day before his 65th birthday, completing a tenure of nearly 15 months as CJI.
3. Born in Haryana to a Middle-Class Family
Born on 10 February 1962 in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant comes from a humble background and studied at Government Post Graduate College, Hisar. His rise is often considered an inspiration for first-generation lawyers.
4. Holds Law Degrees from Rohtak and Kurukshetra University
He completed his LLB from Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, and later secured a first-class first in his LLM from Kurukshetra University in 2011.
5. Began His Career at Hisar District Court
Justice Kant started practising in Hisar district court in 1984 before moving to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985 to build a distinguished legal career.
6. Became the Youngest Advocate General of Haryana
In 2000, he created history by becoming the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, strengthening his reputation as a sharp legal mind and reformist.
7. Served as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court
Justice Surya Kant became Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018, known for his strong advocacy for accountability in public authorities.
8. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019
In 2019, he was elevated as a Supreme Court judge, contributing to high-impact decisions, including keeping the sedition law in abeyance and questioning state overreach.
9. Notable Stand for Women Representation
Justice Kant is known for directing one-third reservation for women in all bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, and reinstating a woman sarpanch who was unlawfully removed—challenging gender discrimination directly.
10. Part of Landmark Committees and National Security Cases
He was on the benches dealing with the Pegasus spyware inquiry, security lapse during PM Modi’s Punjab visit, and the One Rank One Pension (OROP) judgment. His rulings emphasised accountability, transparency and constitutional rights.
Here are essential facts you must know about the new CJI of India, his journey from a modest background to becoming one of the country’s top legal minds.
10 Key Facts About Justice Surya Kant, the New Chief Justice of India
1. Justice Surya Kant Is India’s 53rd Chief Justice
Justice Surya Kant officially took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice BR Gavai. His appointment brings a strong focus on women representation in legal bodies and judicial reforms. (SEO keywords: Justice Surya Kant, new Chief Justice of India)
2. He Will Hold Office Until February 2027
Justice Kant will demit office on February 9, 2027, a day before his 65th birthday, completing a tenure of nearly 15 months as CJI.
3. Born in Haryana to a Middle-Class Family
Born on 10 February 1962 in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant comes from a humble background and studied at Government Post Graduate College, Hisar. His rise is often considered an inspiration for first-generation lawyers.
4. Holds Law Degrees from Rohtak and Kurukshetra University
He completed his LLB from Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, and later secured a first-class first in his LLM from Kurukshetra University in 2011.
5. Began His Career at Hisar District Court
Justice Kant started practising in Hisar district court in 1984 before moving to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985 to build a distinguished legal career.
6. Became the Youngest Advocate General of Haryana
In 2000, he created history by becoming the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, strengthening his reputation as a sharp legal mind and reformist.
7. Served as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court
Justice Surya Kant became Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018, known for his strong advocacy for accountability in public authorities.
8. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019
In 2019, he was elevated as a Supreme Court judge, contributing to high-impact decisions, including keeping the sedition law in abeyance and questioning state overreach.
9. Notable Stand for Women Representation
Justice Kant is known for directing one-third reservation for women in all bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, and reinstating a woman sarpanch who was unlawfully removed—challenging gender discrimination directly.
10. Part of Landmark Committees and National Security Cases
He was on the benches dealing with the Pegasus spyware inquiry, security lapse during PM Modi’s Punjab visit, and the One Rank One Pension (OROP) judgment. His rulings emphasised accountability, transparency and constitutional rights.
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