After D Y Chandrachud Who Will Lead India’s Supreme Court ? [Succession of Chief Justices]

With Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s term set to conclude on November 10, 2024, attention turns towards the succession plan for the Supreme Court’s chief justices.

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NEW DELHI: As Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s tenure approaches its end on November 10, 2024, speculation and focus intensify on who will next lead the Indian Supreme Court. Justice Chandrachud, who started his term on November 9, 2022, will conclude two years marked by substantial judicial decisions and significant administrative reforms.

The upcoming years present a unique situation where only Justice J.B. Pardiwala is expected to serve for more than two years, spotlighting the potential challenges of shorter tenures in maintaining continuity and implementing long-term policies.

The Role and Responsibilities of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) serves not just as the presiding figure of the Supreme Court but also as the crucial ‘Master of the Roster.’ This role allows the CJI to form benches of two or more judges and allocate cases.

Furthermore, the CJI leads the Supreme Court Collegium, tasked with recommending appointments to the Supreme Court and all High Courts, thereby shaping the future of India’s judiciary.

The Collegium System and Judicial Appointments

Judicial appointments in India occur through the Collegium System, composed of the CJI and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. Established in October 1998 after the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2015, the Collegium System strives to maintain independence and transparency in the selection process.

Who’s Next After Chief Justice Chandrachud?

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India starting November 11, 2024. Although his tenure is expected to be brief—only six months until his retirement on May 13, 2025—Justice Khanna has significantly impacted the legal landscape since joining the Supreme Court in January 2019, having been part of 358 benches and authored 90 judgments.

The Road Ahead: 2030 and Beyond

Following Justice Khanna, Justice B.R. Gavai will take over on May 14, 2025. His tenure will be even shorter, ending on November 23, 2025. The year 2025 will witness two chief justices, highlighting the rapid changes in the judiciary’s highest ranks.

Subsequently, Justice Surya Kant will assume office on November 24, 2025, and will serve for 14 months. Justice Vikram Nath is then expected to serve from February 7, 2027, to September 23, 2027.

Following him, justices including B.V. Nagarathna, P.S. Narasimha, and J.B. Pardiwala will continue in succession.

This progression of leadership in the Supreme Court underscores the evolving dynamic within India’s judiciary, as shorter tenures could impact the Court’s ability to drive consistent judicial policy and reform.

The judicial community and observers alike are keenly watching how these transitions will affect the overarching trajectory of India’s legal framework.

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