Surya Kant sworn in as India’s 53rd CJI.
Chief Justice Kant will serve a little over a year, giving him a brief but meaningful window to shape India’s judiciary.
Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, November 24, 2025, in a ceremony marked by dignity, calm, and a sense of quiet transition at Rashtrapati Bhawan. As he stood before President Droupadi Murmu and took the oath of office, the moment symbolised not only a continuation of India’s judicial legacy but also the beginning of a new chapter led by a judge known for his clarity, composure, and deep understanding of constitutional principles.
What made this transition particularly striking was its timing. Justice Kant took the oath just days after he had served as a member of the 16th Presidential Reference Bench—a bench that had offered important constitutional guidance to none other than President Murmu herself. In that advisory opinion, the bench had clarified that the President and State Governors are not bound by judicially imposed timelines when dealing with State Bills. This clarification came in the context of the Supreme Court’s earlier April 8 judgment in the Tamil Nadu Governor case, which had suggested specific timelines for gubernatorial decisions. Justice Kant, along with his fellow judges on the bench, took a thoughtful approach, emphasising constitutional boundaries and the need to respect the distinct roles assigned to each branch of government.
The interaction added a subtle but meaningful backdrop to his oath-taking ceremony. Here stood a judge who had, only days earlier, advised the Head of State on a matter touching the delicate balance between the judiciary and the executive. And now, that same Head of State administered to him the highest judicial office in the country. It was a moment that quietly demonstrated the maturity of India’s constitutional framework—where institutions may differ on interpretation yet continue to function with mutual respect and grace.
Justice Kant’s elevation has been welcomed warmly within legal circles. Known for his measured reasoning and humane approach to justice, he brings a blend of firmness and empathy to the bench. His tenure as Chief Justice, though a little over a year, is expected to be meaningful. Colleagues often describe him as a judge who listens patiently, speaks sparingly, and decides carefully—traits that many hope will guide the Supreme Court through complex issues that lie ahead.
For the country, the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan was more than a formal swearing-in. It was a reminder of the continuity of the constitutional order—a peaceful, predictable transfer of responsibility from one Chief Justice to the next. And for Justice Surya Kant, it marked the moment he stepped fully into the role of India’s top judge, entrusted with upholding the law, safeguarding rights, and steering the judiciary with integrity in the months to come.