New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has written to the Union Law Ministry recommending Justice Surya Kant to succeed him as the next Chief Justice of India. Justice Gavai is set to retire on November 23, and Justice Surya Kant is expected to assume office on November 24, 2025.

Justice Surya Kant, currently the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court after Chief Justice Gavai, was elevated to the apex court on May 24, 2019. His tenure at the Supreme Court extends until February 9, 2027, which means he will serve as the Chief Justice of India for a relatively long period of over 14 months.

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Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant comes from a middle-class background. He completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in law from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.

Justice Kant began his legal practice at the Hisar District Court in 1984 before moving to the Punjab and Haryana High Court the following year. His legal acumen and dedication earned him the designation of Senior Advocate in March 2001. He later served as the Advocate General of Haryana until his elevation as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004.

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He was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018, and subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019.

Justice Surya Kant has also contributed to legal education and public service through various capacities. He serves as the Visitor of the National University of Legal Studies and Research in Ranchi and is the ex-officio Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority.