Justice Surya Kant Begins Tenure as Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant is making history today as he takes the oath of office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. His tenure is set to last for approximately 15 months, during which he will navigate several critical legal challenges. Justice Kant succeeds Justice B R Gavai, who retired recently. His rise from a middle-class family in Hisar, Haryana, to the highest judicial position in the country is inspiring.

Over the years, Justice Kant has been a key figure in many landmark constitutional rulings. He has been involved in pivotal cases, including the abrogation of Article 370, which significantly altered the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he has made substantial contributions to discussions around free speech and citizenship laws in India.

Before becoming CJI, Justice Kant served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and has authored several notable judgments in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His educational background includes a Master’s degree in law from Kurukshetra University, where he excelled academically.

Justice Kant is not only recognized for his legal acumen but also for his human side, which he considers essential in judging. His recent involvement in a presidential reference regarding the powers of Governors and Presidents in state legislative matters highlights his critical role in shaping contemporary constitutional law.

As he begins this new chapter, many are keenly observing his approach to electoral reforms, especially concerning a recent case involving the Election Commission's handling of voter lists in Bihar. This case could have significant implications for upcoming elections and governance in various states, making Justice Kant's decisions even more crucial.

With a tenure that is both promising and challenging, Justice Surya Kant is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Indian judiciary and the country as a whole.