New Delhi: The stage is set for a transition at the helm of India’s judiciary as Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai prepares to retire on November 23. The Central Government has initiated the process to appoint his successor, with the Union Law Ministry formally requesting Justice Gavai to recommend a name for the top post — a customary step before the change of guard.
According to the seniority list of the Supreme Court, Justice Surya Kant, currently serving as the second-most senior judge, is the frontrunner to become the next Chief Justice of India.
Chief Justice Gavai is expected to forward Justice Surya Kant’s name to the Centre shortly. Once the recommendation is approved by the government, it will be sent to the President for formal notification.
If appointed, Justice Surya Kant will take over as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025, and will serve until February 9, 2027 — a tenure of one year and three months.
