PM Modi Congratulates Justice Surya Kant After He Takes Oath As 53rd Chief Justice Of India

Justice Surya Kant, known for his role in several landmark judgments, was sworn in on Monday as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath at a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

In a notable departure from recent practice, the new CJI took his oath in Hindi, invoking the name of God during the proceedings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the ceremony, later shared his greetings on social media.

“Attended the oath taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead,” he posted on X, underscoring the importance of the occasion.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of national and international dignitaries.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union ministers, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, and judges of the Supreme Court were present.

The event also saw the participation of Chief Justices and judges from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Brazil, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka, reflecting India’s close judicial ties with global partners.

Justice Surya Kant begins a tenure of about 14 months and will demit office on 9 February 2027.

The Centre approved his appointment on 30 October, following the recommendation of then CJI Bhushan R Gavai, in line with established convention.

A Distinguished Legal Career

Born on 10 February 1962 in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant completed his graduation at the Government Post Graduate College in Hisar before earning his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.

He began practising law in Hisar the same year and moved to Chandigarh in 1985 to appear before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Over the decades, he handled a broad spectrum of constitutional, service and civil matters, representing major institutions including universities, Boards, corporations, banks and even the High Court itself.

The Haryana government appointed him as the youngest Advocate General on 7 July 2000 and designated him a senior advocate in March 2001. On 9 January 2004, it elevated him as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Justice Kant later served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 2018 until his elevation to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019. He has also played a significant role in legal services institutions, serving two consecutive terms on the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) between 2007 and 2011.

Since November 2024, Justice Surya Kant has chaired the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, contributing to efforts aimed at improving access to justice.

He continues to serve on multiple committees of the Indian Law Institute, further strengthening legal education and research.

As he takes charge of the Supreme Court, Justice Kant aims to enhance judicial efficiency, reduce pendency, and improve access to justice—advancing the broader effort to modernise India’s judicial system.

Also Read: President Murmu Administers Oath To Justice Surya Kant As 53rd CJI; PM Modi Present At Ceremony