Justice Surya Kant (sometimes spelled Suryakant) has recently been sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), assuming office on 24 November 2025.
His rise from humble beginnings in rural Haryana to the highest judicial office in India is a compelling story of perseverance, legal brilliance, and integrity.
This biography explores his life — early years, education, career milestones, notable judgments, philosophy, and legacy.
Profile Data
- Full Name: Surya Kant Sharma
- Born: 10 February 1962
- Age: 63 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Petwar, Hisar, Haryana, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Judge (Chief Justice of India)
- Siblings: Three brothers (Rishi Kant, Shiv Kant, Dev Kant) and one sister (Kamla Devi)
- Spouse: Savita Kant (retired college principal)
- Children: Two daughters
Early Life and Education
- Birth and Family: Surya Kant was born on 10 February 1962 in the village of Petwar, in Hisar district, Haryana.
- His father, Madan Gopal Sharma, worked as a Sanskrit teacher.
- Kant grew up attending government schools in his village.
- He completed his undergraduate degree at Government Post Graduate College, Hisar in 1981.
- He earned an LL.B. from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1984.
- Later, in 2011, he obtained an LL.M. (First Class First) from Kurukshetra University via distance education.
Legal Career: From Advocate to Judge
Following his law degree, Surya Kant embarked on a distinguished legal career:
- Early Practice: He began practicing in the district courts of Hisar in 1984.
- High Court Practice: In 1985, he moved to Chandigarh to practice at the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
- He specialized in constitutional, civil, and service law.
- Advocate General: In July 2000, he was appointed as the Advocate General of Haryana, becoming one of the youngest to hold the post.
- Senior Advocate: In March 2001, he was designated as a Senior Advocate.
- High Court Judge: He became a permanent judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2004.
- Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh: He served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 2018 to May 2019.
- Supreme Court Judge: Elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019.
- Chief Justice of India: On 24 November 2025, he was sworn in as India’s 53rd Chief Justice.
Notable Judgments & Contributions
Throughout his judicial career, Justice Surya Kant has made significant contributions:
- Human Rights & Prison Reform: While on the High Court, he directed the creation of a Jail Reforms Committee to enable conjugal and family visits for inmates, underlining the reformatory purpose of incarceration.
- Constitutional Advocacy: His decisions reflect a strong commitment to civil liberties, constitutional values, and people’s rights.
- Legal Aid and NALSA: He has been closely associated with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), advocating for wider access to justice.
Philosophy & Vision
Justice Surya Kant’s legal philosophy is shaped by his life and experience:
- Humility & Accessibility: His rural background imbues him with a belief that justice should be accessible to everyone, not just legal elites.
- Education as Dignity: For him, education is more than a profession — it’s a path to dignity and empowerment.
- Clarity in Judgment: His decisions are noted for their clarity, substance, and practical impact.
- Institutional Reform: He is expected to prioritize modernization of the judiciary, reduction of pendency, and greater transparency during his tenure as CJI.
Challenges & Priorities as CJI
- Backlog of Cases: Reducing the huge number of pending cases in Indian courts is likely to be one of his top priorities.
- Access to Justice: Strengthening legal aid systems (like NALSA) and promoting legal awareness could be a major focus.
- Judicial Modernization: Digital transformation, efficient case management, and procedural reforms may figure high on his agenda.
- International Engagement: His swearing-in was attended by Chief Justices from several countries, signaling a push toward global judicial diplomacy. :contentReference[oaicite:45]{index=45}
Personal Life
Justice Surya Kant leads a balanced life rooted in simplicity and values:
- Family: He is married, and has daughters.
- Spouse: His wife, Savita Surya Kant, is a retired college principal and English professor.
- Coming from a non-legal family, his ascent in the judiciary is a testament to his merit and determination.
FAQs
Q1: When did Surya Kant become Chief Justice of India?
A1: He assumed the role on 24 November 2025.
Q2: Where was CJI Surya Kant born?
A2: He was born in Petwar, Hisar district, Haryana.
Q3: What education credentials does he have?
A3: LL.B. from Maharishi Dayanand University (1984), LL.M. from Kurukshetra University (2011, First Class First).
Q4: What significant judgments has he delivered?
A4: He has contributed to major rulings in prison reform, constitutional law, gender justice, and increasing access to legal aid.
Q5: What is his vision as CJI?
A5: He aims to reduce case backlogs, improve judicial efficiency, expand legal aid, and reform court infrastructure.
Conclusion
Justice Surya Kant’s life journey — from a small village in Haryana to becoming the Chief Justice of India — is a powerful story of hard work, dedication, and legal excellence. His commitment to justice, accessibility, and reform makes him a transformative figure for India’s judiciary. As the 53rd CJI, his leadership could bring meaningful change in how justice is delivered and perceived in India.