Youngest Advocate General: Achieved the senior legal post at age 38.
Justice Suryakant officially became the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) today (Monday, November 24, 2025). In a special ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu gave him the oath of office. Justice Suryakant took the oath in Hindi.
The event was attended by many important people, including the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and other senior officials. Interestingly, Chief Justices from six other countries, like Nepal and Sri Lanka, were also present, making it a truly notable occasion.
Important Term
Justice Suryakant replaces Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who retired recently. Justice Suryakant will be the CJI for about 15 months, until February 2027. Even though it’s a relatively short time, he will face some very big and important issues that affect the whole country:
• Common Rules for Everyone (UCC): A major challenge will be dealing with the national discussion and court cases about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which aims to create one set of civil laws for all citizens.
• Divorce Rules: He will hear important cases regarding the rules and methods used for divorce, like the practice of ‘Talaq-e-Hasan.’
• Air Pollution: Key cases about air quality and pollution in cities, especially in Delhi and nearby areas, will also be decided by the court under his leadership.
An Inspiring Journey to the Top
Justice Suryakant’s journey is a great example of success. He was born in 1962 in a simple, middle-class family in Hisar, a district in Haryana.
• Starting Out: After finishing his studies, he got his law degree in 1984.
• Youngest AG: When he was just 38, he became the youngest Advocate General (AG) for the state of Haryana. This is a very senior legal post.
• Becoming a Judge: In 2004, at age 42, he was made a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Later, he became the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
• Supreme Court: In 2019, he reached the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, as a Judge.
Key Decisions He Helped Make
During his time as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Suryakant was part of benches that made decisions on major issues:
• Article 370: He was on the special bench that supported the government’s decision to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (revoking Article 370).
• Sedition Law: He was involved in the bench that temporarily stopped the use of the old law on sedition (Section 124A), telling governments not to file new cases under it.
A Great Gesture from the Former CJI
After the swearing-in, the former Chief Justice, Justice BR Gavai, did something special and kind. He left his official car at the President’s house for Justice Suryakant. Justice Gavai chose not to use the official car for his final journey home, ensuring it was available immediately for the new Chief Justice to drive to the Supreme Court. This was a rare example of respect and tradition.
Justice Suryakant taking charge as the 53rd CJI is a big event for India’s legal system. He has the chance to guide the country’s laws and society with his knowledge and experience.
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