Justice Surya Kant will assume office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, succeeding Justice B R Gavai. Known for landmark rulings on Article 370, Pegasus, and electoral reforms, his tenure is expected to shape key constitutional outcomes.
Ahead of taking oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant said social media trolls do not influence judges who decide only on facts and law. He reaffirmed his focus on reducing case pendency and strengthening mediation as a key reform tool.
CJI BR Gavai’s tenure boosted judicial diversity with 11 judges from Backward Classes and 10 from Scheduled Castes appointed to High Courts. His leadership marked one of the strongest pushes for inclusive representation in India’s judiciary.
CJI B.R. Gavai retires after delivering 464 judgements and serving on 772 benches during a standout 6.5-year tenure. His authorship rate never fell below 50%, marking him as one of the Supreme Court’s most consistent judges.
In a historic moment, foreign Chief Justices and top judges from six countries will attend the swearing-in of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. The event highlights India’s growing global judicial influence and international legal cooperation.
To avoid delays in accommodation for incoming Chief Justices, the Supreme Court has decided to keep two Lutyens’ Delhi bungalows permanently ready as official CJI residences. This move ensures smooth transition and better administrative planning at the top judicial level.
Justice Surya Kant’s inspiring rise from Hisar to India’s 53rd Chief Justice highlights a career built on merit, integrity, and constitutional vision. His landmark judgments span free speech, gender justice, national security, and judicial accountability.
The Supreme Court cautioned activist Pardeep Sharma against making broad, unverified allegations against judges, stating it welcomes fair criticism but “not sweeping accusations.” The Court noted he had already apologised before the High Court, which accepted his apology and closed contempt proceedings.
The Supreme Court criticised SEBI for showing “double standards” in the Indiabulls financial irregularities case and questioned the CBI’s unusually soft stance. The Court said even partial truth in the allegations warrants immediate FIR and coordinated action.
Today, 19th November, Supreme Court questioned the Talaq-e-Hasan practice, saying it concerns a woman’s dignity and asking how such a practice can be encouraged in modern society, as it listed the matter for next Wednesday’s hearing amid growing constitutional scrutiny today.
