In a significant development for the Indian judiciary, Justice Surya Kant was officially sworn in on Monday as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. The oath-taking ceremony marks a new chapter at the apex court, with Justice Kant taking over the reins from his predecessor.
A Distinguished Legal Journey
Justice Surya Kant brings a wealth of experience to the top judicial post. Born on February 10, 1962, in the Hisar district of Haryana to a middle-class family, his ascent from a small-town lawyer to the pinnacle of the Indian judiciary is a testament to his dedication. His academic credentials are equally impressive, having secured a first class first in his Master's degree in law from Kurukshetra University in 2011.
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Kant authored several notable judgments during his tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He further honed his leadership skills as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 5, 2018, preparing him for the responsibilities that lay ahead.
Landmark Contributions and Key Tenure Details
Justice Kant's career has been marked by his involvement in several constitutionally significant cases. He was part of benches that delivered crucial verdicts on the abrogation of Article 370, the Pegasus spyware case, and matters concerning free speech and citizenship rights.
His proactive approach to governance was evident when he pushed the Election Commission to disclose details of the 65 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's draft electoral rolls. In a powerful stand for gender justice, he led a bench that reinstated a woman sarpanch who had been unlawfully removed from office, explicitly highlighting the gender bias involved in her removal. He is also credited with directing the reservation of one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, for women.
The Path Forward for the Judiciary
Justice Surya Kant's appointment as the head of the Indian judiciary was set in motion on October 30, when he was officially appointed as the next CJI. He has succeeded Justice BR Gavai, who demitted office on November 23 as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.
Justice Kant is set for a substantial tenure, remaining in office for nearly 15 months. He will demit office on February 9, 2027, upon turning 65. This period is expected to be crucial for the Indian legal landscape, with several important matters pending before the Supreme Court.
