Rural roots. Relentless rise. India’s next Chief Justice. (Photo: X)
Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will assume office on November 24. The Union government issued the notification on October 30, marking a historic moment, he will be the first jurist from Haryana to head the country’s judiciary. He will serve approximately 15 months, demitting office on February 9, 2027.
Born on February 10, 1962, in a middle-class family in Petwar village, Hisar district of Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his legal career.
Graduation (1981): Government Post Graduate College, Hisar
Bachelor of Laws – LL.B. (1984): Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak
MDU is known for producing prominent personalities such as wrestler Geeta Phogat, actor Jaideep Ahlawat, and Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik.
Master of Laws – LL.M. (2011): Kurukshetra University (KUK), Kurukshetra
Justice Kant topped his class. Kurukshetra University ranked 35th among State Public Universities (NIRF 2025).
Justice Kant began his legal practice at the Punjab & Haryana High Court and later became Advocate General of Haryana. In 2004, he was elevated as a judge of the High Court, and in 2019, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of India.
Justice Surya Kant has been part of several historic and socially significant rulings:
Put sedition law on hold: directed that no new FIRs be filed until the government reviewed the colonial-era provision.
Article 370 Hearings: heard challenges to the abrogation of Article 370.
Women’s representation in the legal profession: directed that one-third seats in Bar associations be reserved for women, including in the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Electoral transparency: pushed the Election Commission to disclose data of 65 lakh excluded voters in Bihar.
Pegasus spyware case: appointed a panel to probe alleged surveillance, stating the state can’t get a “free pass under the guise of national security.”
OROP (One Rank-One Pension): upheld the scheme as constitutionally valid.
Minority Status of AMU: part of the seven-judge bench that reopened the debate.
Justice Surya Kant’s tenure is expected to be defined by judicial transparency, citizen rights and gender representation in legal institutions. His journey from a rural school in Haryana to the Supreme Court stands as a testament to merit, consistency and constitutional commitment.
ALSO READ: Justice Surya Kant Appointed As 53rd Chief Justice Of India, To Take Charge On November 24
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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