Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India: Supreme Court

The President of India issued a Warrant appointing Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, effective November 24, 2025, following the retirement of Chief Justice BR Gavai on November 23.

The appointment followed the outgoing Chief Justice’s formal recommendation to the Union Government earlier in the week. Justice Surya Kant, presently the second senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court, will serve as CJI until February 9, 2027. 

The official communication marks the constitutional transition under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India, which governs judicial appointments to the Supreme Court.