NewKerala.com

Justice Surya Kant Makes History: Sworn in as CJI in Hindi Ceremony

Justice Surya Kant has been sworn in as India's 53rd Chief Justice in a ceremony that broke from recent tradition. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath in Hindi at Rashtrapati Bhavan with Prime Minister Modi and international judges in attendance. The new CJI brings extensive legal experience spanning constitutional matters and public service roles. His 14-month tenure will continue until February 2027, marking a significant chapter in India's judicial history.

Key Points: Justice Surya Kant Sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India

  • Justice Kant breaks tradition by taking oath in Hindi at Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony
  • International judges from seven countries witness the historic swearing-in event
  • The new CJI will serve 14-month tenure until February 2027
  • Justice Kant previously served as Haryana's youngest Advocate General in 2000
  • His legal career spans constitutional, service and civil matters across four decades
3 min read

Justice Surya Kant sworn in as 53rd CJI; takes oath in Hindi

President Droupadi Murmu administers oath to Justice Surya Kant as 53rd CJI in historic Hindi ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan attended by PM Modi and international judges.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant - Union Law and Justice Ministry"

New Delhi, Nov 24

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national Capital. In a significant departure from recent tradition, CJI Kant took the oath in Hindi, taking the name of God.

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union ministers, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, judges of the Supreme Court, and Chief Justices and judges from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Brazil, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Justice Kant, the 53rd CJI, will have a tenure of about 14 months, and he will demit office on February 9, 2027.

On October 30, the Centre cleared the appointment of Justice Kant to the highest judicial office of the country after then CJI Bhushan R Gavai had recommended him as his successor.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from November 24, 2025,” the Union Law and Justice Ministry had said in its notification.

Born on February 10, 1962, in a middle-class family in Haryana, Justice Surya Kant completed his graduation from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981, and earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.

He began his legal practice in Hisar in 1984 and moved to Chandigarh the following year to practise before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Over the years, he handled a wide range of constitutional, service, and civil matters, representing universities, Boards, corporations, banks, and even the High Court itself.

He was appointed as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000, and was designated a senior advocate in March 2001. He was elevated as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004.

Justice Kant went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 5, 2018, until his elevation to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. He has also been associated with various judicial and legal service institutions.

He served as a member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for two consecutive terms between 2007 and 2011 and currently serves on several committees of the Indian Law Institute, a deemed university functioning under the Supreme Court of India. Since November 2024, he has been the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
His extensive experience in constitutional matters and legal service institutions makes him well-qualified for this role. Hope he brings much-needed reforms to our judicial system and reduces case backlogs. 🙏
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the Hindi oath, I hope this doesn't become a political issue. The language of oath shouldn't matter as much as the integrity and competence of the CJI. Let's focus on his judicial performance rather than symbolic gestures.
S
Sarah B
Impressive to see international judges from so many countries attending! This shows India's growing stature in global judicial circles. Justice Kant's background in legal services committees suggests he understands ground realities well.
V
Vikram M
From a middle-class family in Haryana to CJI - what a journey! 🎉 This gives hope to countless aspiring lawyers from small towns. His 14-month tenure is short though - hope he can make meaningful changes in this time.
K
Kavya N
As someone from Hisar, I feel particularly proud! His career graph - from practicing in Hisar to becoming the youngest Advocate General and now CJI - shows that talent from smaller cities can reach the highest positions. Jai Hind! ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50