Government begins process to appoint new CJI; Justice Surya Kant next in line

The government has written to the incumbent Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai for the recommendation of his successor.

The CJI is currently on a four-day visit to Bhutan. He would come back and send his recommendation to the government on his successor. As per the seniority norm, Justice Surya Kant is next in line as the 53rd CJI.

Chief Justice Gavai is scheduled to retire on November 24, 2025.

According to the memorandum of procedure, a set of documents that guide the appointment, transfer, and elevation of Supreme Court and High Court judges, the appointment to the office of the CJI should be of the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.

The Union Law Minister would, “at the appropriate time”, seek the recommendation of the outgoing CJI for the appointment of his successor.

Conventionally, the letter is sent a month before the incumbent CJI retires on attaining the age of 65 years.

Once appointed, Justice Surya Kant will become the next CJI on November 24 and hold the office for nearly 15 months till February 9, 2027.

(With PTI inputs)