Sworn in on November 24, 2025, Justice Surya Kant officially became the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), commencing a nearly 15-month tenure set to conclude in February 2027.
The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other dignitaries.
Justice Kant succeeded Justice B R Gavai, inheriting the responsibility of steering India’s highest judicial body at a critical juncture marked by rising case backlogs and calls for judicial reforms.
Tackling Judicial Pendency and Expanding Mediation
A foremost priority outlined by Justice Surya Kant is addressing the Supreme Court’s massive backlog of over 90,000 pending cases. He acknowledged the severity of the pendency challenge as his “first and foremost” task, promising to ensure optimal utilisation of judges and streamline case listings.
To reduce delays, he plans to constitute Constitution Benches comprising five, seven, and nine judges to promptly address complex legal questions that have stalled judgments in high courts and lower courts.
He also intends to focus on the oldest pending matters, including cases stuck for decades, aiming to deliver reasoned and timely judgments that meet litigants’ expectations for relief, not just jurisprudence.
Justice Kant highlighted systemic causes behind the growing number of litigants who bypass lower courts and approach the Supreme Court directly, stating the need to restore confidence in district and high courts. Beyond pendency, he is a strong proponent of mediation as a “game changer” alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tool.
Citing recent interest from private corporations and government agencies, he intends to promote mediation widely as a cost-effective means to ease court pressures and improve access to justice. This includes signing Memoranda of Understanding with stakeholders to institutionalise mediation practices.
Distinguished Jurist with a Reformist Outlook
Justice Kant’s career spans significant contributions on constitutional and social issues. He was part of key rulings related to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, electoral reforms, suspension of the sedition law, and the Pegasus spyware surveillance case.
His advocacy for gender justice includes landmark judgments securing reservation for women in bar associations and reinstating women sarpanches unlawfully removed from office. Additionally, as the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, he launched legal aid schemes for armed forces personnel and veterans.
His tenure as CJI comes amid growing calls for judicial transparency, efficiency, and accountability, aspects he has consistently emphasised through a litigant-centred approach focused on delivering justice with empathy and clarity.
Attended the oath taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the Chief Justice of India. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead. pic.twitter.com/62yeSlfmsx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Justice Surya Kant’s appointment signifies an opportunity to reinforce an independent, empathetic judiciary that values efficient justice delivery and public trust.
His emphasis on clearing the case backlog, especially through Constitution Benches, and promoting mediation mirrors a vision for courts that are accessible, responsive, and restorative. The Logical Indian supports such reforms that foster peace, dialogue, and inclusivity in the judicial system.
📍 New Delhi
— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | HD Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) November 24, 2025
My warm greetings and best wishes to Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, on assuming office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India.
His distinguished service, deep commitment to constitutional values, and unwavering dedication to justice will continue… pic.twitter.com/eqmxKK5Mc5
