The Government of India, on October 30, 2025, notified the appointment of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, effective November 24, 2025. The appointment was confirmed by Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and approved by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Surya Kant succeeds Chief Justice B.R. Gavai. He is a senior judge of the Supreme Court known for landmark rulings on constitutional matters. The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Supreme Court and also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the National Judicial Appointments Commission.
Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India, Effective November 24, 2025
AQuick answer
The Government of India, on October 30, 2025, notified the appointment of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, effective November 24, 2025. The appointment was confirmed by Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and approved by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Surya Kant succeeds Chief Justice B.R. Gavai. He is a senior judge of the Supreme Court known for landmark rulings on constitutional matters. The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Supreme Court and also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the National Judicial Appointments Commission.
Key facts
- Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India, effective November 24, 2025.
- Appointment notified by Government of India on October 31, 2025 and approved by President Murmu.
- Justice Surya Kant succeeds outgoing CJI B.R. Gavai in the position.
- CJI is the head of the Supreme Court and ex-officio Chairman of NALSA.
- He is known for landmark rulings on constitutional matters during his SC tenure.
- Appointment confirmed by Law and Justice Minister Ram Meghwal.
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CoverageNationalSubjectNationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · PrelimsSourceSaachi Baat / JK Updates
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Who has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, effective November 24, 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer A
The Department of Justice issued the appointment order on 30 October 2025 appointing Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court, as Chief Justice of India with effect from 24 November 2025. He became the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
Source: Saachi Baat / JK Updates
Frequently asked questions
Who is Justice Surya Kant and what is his significance as the 53rd Chief Justice of India?
Justice Surya Kant is a senior judge of the Supreme Court of India who was appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, effective November 24, 2025. He succeeded CJI B.R. Gavai. He is known for landmark rulings on constitutional matters during his tenure in the Supreme Court. The appointment was notified by the Government of India on October 31, 2025 and approved by President Droupadi Murmu, on the recommendation of the outgoing CJI.
What is the constitutional role of the Chief Justice of India beyond heading the Supreme Court?
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Supreme Court and is the highest judicial authority in the country. Beyond presiding over the Supreme Court, the CJI serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which provides free legal aid to the underprivileged. The CJI also plays a key role in the collegium system for recommending appointments of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
How is the Chief Justice of India appointed and what is the convention followed?
The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India under Article 124 of the Constitution. By convention, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is recommended for the post by the outgoing CJI. The appointment is processed through the Law and Justice Ministry and formally notified by the Government. There is no fixed term — the CJI serves until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.
What is the significance of NALSA and why is the CJI its ex-officio chairman?
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to weaker sections of society and to organise Lok Adalats. The CJI heads NALSA ex-officio because access to justice is intrinsically linked to the judicial system; having the top judicial authority lead NALSA underscores the constitutional commitment under Article 39-A (Directive Principles) to ensure equal justice and free legal aid.
What is the collegium system and what role does the Chief Justice of India play in it?
The collegium system is the mechanism by which judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed and transferred in India. It emerged from three landmark Supreme Court judgments (the Three Judges Cases, 1982–1998). The collegium is headed by the CJI and comprises the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. It recommends names for judicial appointments to the President of India, and the executive is bound by its recommendations after a reconsideration.
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