53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI)
- Justice Surya Kant appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- He will assume office on November 24, 2025, succeeding Justice Bhushan R. Gavai.
- His tenure will last till February 9, 2027 (around 16 months).
- The appointment was notified by the Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry, based on the power conferred by the Constitution of India (issued by the President).
About Article 124
- The Constitution of India does not mention any procedure for appointing the CJI.
- Article 124 (1) of the Constitution merely says, “There shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India.”
- Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution says that every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President.
Appointment of CJI
- The President appoints the CJI under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.
- The outgoing CJI recommends their successor based on seniority.
- The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President.
- As per the Second Judges Case (1993), the senior-most Supreme Court judge is appointed as the CJI.
