Appointment of the Next Chief Justice of India
The government has initiated the process for appointing the next Chief Justice of India by writing to the current Chief Justice, B.R. Gavai, seeking his recommendation for his successor.
- Current CJI's Visit: Chief Justice B.R. Gavai is on a four-day official visit to Bhutan.
- Retirement Schedule: CJI Gavai is set to retire on November 24.
- Procedure for Appointment:
- The Law Ministry requires a recommendation from the outgoing CJI for the next appointment.
- This process typically begins a month before the current CJI's retirement.
Likely Successor: Justice Surya Kant
As per the seniority norms, Justice Surya Kant is the expected successor, becoming the 53rd Chief Justice of India.
- Birth and Education:
- Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana.
- Graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak with a law degree in 1984.
- Legal Career:
- Began practice at Hisar district court and moved to practice at Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1985.
- Specialized in constitutional, service, and civil matters.
- Appointed as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and designated as a senior advocate in 2001.
- Judicial Appointments:
- Elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004.
- Appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh in October 2018.
- Became a Supreme Court judge on May 24, 2019.
- Retirement: Justice Kant is due to retire on February 9, 2027.
