Justice Surya Kant officially took the oath of office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday. The esteemed jurist succeeds Justice B.R. Gavai, whose tenure concluded on Sunday evening. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administering the oath of office. The event was graced by the presence of Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several cabinet ministers, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Justice Kant’s appointment, effective October 30, will span approximately 15 months, with his term set to conclude on February 9, 2027, upon reaching the age of 65. Throughout his distinguished career, Justice Kant has been instrumental in landmark rulings, including those concerning the abrogation of Article 370, the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls, and the controversial Pegasus spyware case. Adding a deeply personal and traditional touch to the proceedings, Justice Surya Kant was seen touching the feet of his elder family members following the oath-taking. The ceremony also highlighted international judicial camaraderie, with high-ranking judicial officials from Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in attendance, witnessing this pivotal moment in India’s judicial history.
