Justice Surya Kant Sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai, who retired the previous day after a brief tenure as the 52nd chief justice.

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Kant in a short ceremony held in the Durbar Hall. He took the oath in Hindi in the name of God, marking a formal transition under Article 124(2) of the Constitution. The appointment was recommended by Justice Gavai on October 30, and Justice Kant will serve nearly 15 months, demitting office on February 9, 2027, upon reaching the age of 65. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event, along with senior officials.

The swearing-in drew an international delegation for the first time in the history of such ceremonies, including chief justices and judges from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka, accompanied by family members. This gathering underscored growing judicial ties between India and these nations.

Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar district of Haryana to a middle-class family, Justice Kant graduated from Government Post Graduate College in...