The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, has nominated senior Supreme Court judge, Justice Suryakant, as his successor to become the 53rd CJI. In accordance with protocol, CJI B.R. Gavai has forwarded the recommendation to the Ministry of Law for the next CJI.
Justice Suryakant's tenure as CJI will last until February 9, 2027, giving him an approximately one-and-a-half-year tenure. He was promoted to the position of Supreme Court judge on May 24, 2019, on the same day as CJI B.R. Gavai.
Although both Justice Gavai and Justice Suryakant were elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Suryakant took the oath after Justice Gavai due to seniority ranking. As a result, CJI Gavai recommended Justice Suryakant as his successor.
Justice Suryakant's Journey to Supreme Court
Elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Suryakant's tenure as CJI will last over 1.2 years, with retirement slated for February 9, 2027. Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65.
According to the Memorandum of Procedure, which governs the appointment, transfer, and promotion of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts, the senior-most judge deemed fit is appointed as CJI.
The central law minister seeks recommendations from the current CJI for the next appointable CJI 'at the right time', traditionally a month before the current CJI’s retirement at age 65.
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar district of Haryana, Justice Suryakant comes from a middle-class family. He brings over two decades of judicial experience to India’s highest court, with landmark rulings on Article 370, free speech, democracy, corruption, environment, and gender equality.
