Justice Surya Kant is set to take oath today as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, marking the start of his nearly 15-month tenure at the helm of the country’s judiciary. He succeeds Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who retired recently upon reaching the age of 65. The oath will be administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant’s journey to the Supreme Court’s top position is inspirational. Hailing from a middle-class family, he began his legal career practicing in small towns before advancing to significant roles, including serving as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000. Over the years, he earned recognition for his profound understanding of constitutional law and notable judgments.

During his Supreme Court tenure, Justice Kant has been associated with several landmark rulings that have shaped modern Indian law. Among these are the key decisions related to the abrogation of Article 370, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, and rulings on free speech, citizenship rights, and electoral reforms. His stewardship has also included involvement in high-profile cases such as the Pegasus spyware investigation and directives urging transparency from the Election Commission regarding voter lists.

Justice Kant’s leadership will emphasize reducing the backlog of cases which burden the judicial system. He has expressed a commitment to working closely with High Courts across the nation to tackle issues affecting district and subordinate courts, which are vital for timely justice delivery. Additionally, he plans to constitute Constitution Benches comprising five, seven, and nine judges to resolve pending significant matters promptly.

His tenure also carries a broader social dimension. Justice Kant has championed gender justice and grassroots democracy by supporting reservations for women in various legal bodies and upholding rights related to defense personnel pensions and women officers’ commissions. Justice Surya Kant’s appointment as the Chief Justice of India is notable not only for the duration of his tenure but also for the expectation of progressive judicial reforms and decisive rulings that align with contemporary constitutional challenges. His background, balanced with experience in both grassroots and apex judicial roles, positions him as a leader who may bring meaningful change and efficiency to India’s judicial landscape.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.