Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant, the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor to the post of Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Following established convention, the Union Law Ministry had earlier written to CJI Gavai who is set to demit office on November 23 seeking his nomination for the next Chief Justice. In response, CJI Gavai has proposed the name of Justice Surya Kant.

Once the Government approves the recommendation, Justice Surya Kant will take oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025. His tenure is expected to continue until February 9, 2027, giving him a relatively long term of over a year and two months.

Justice Surya Kant, known for his strong administrative and judicial acumen, currently serves as a Judge of the Supreme Court and has previously served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He has authored several significant judgments, particularly in areas concerning constitutional and criminal law.

The recommendation marks a smooth continuation of the collegium convention, ensuring institutional stability and adherence to seniority norms in the appointment of the country’s top judicial office.