Justice Surya Kant, the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), is one of the most respected judicial minds in the country. His rise from a modest village in Haryana to the highest chair in India’s judiciary is a testament to discipline, academic excellence, and unwavering dedication to public service. Known for his balanced constitutional approach, sensitivity to citizens’ rights, and commitment to reducing case pendency, Justice Surya Kant has become a central figure in India’s legal system.
Early Life & Family Background
- Full Name: Surya Kant
- Date of Birth: 10 February 1962
- Birthplace: Petwar village, Hisar district, Haryana
- Religion: Hindu
Justice Surya Kant was born into a simple, education-focused family. His father, Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, served as a respected Sanskrit teacher in Haryana. His influence on education and discipline deeply shaped Surya Kant’s formative years.
His mother’s personal details remain private, in line with the family’s preference for maintaining confidentiality.
Father
- Name: Shri Madan Gopal Sharma
- Occupation: Sanskrit teacher
- Death: October 2018
Mother
- Not publicly disclosed.
Education
Justice Surya Kant’s academic journey reflects hard work and extraordinary merit.
- Completed LLB from Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak
- Earned his LLM through distance education from Kurukshetra University, securing the top rank (First Class First) in his batch
His academic excellence helped build the foundation for his distinguished legal career.
Personal Life — Wife, Daughter & Religion
- Wife: Savita Vashisht
- Children: Though he keeps his family life private, public records indicate he has a daughter (details not widely disclosed for privacy).
- Religion: Hindu
He is known to be soft-spoken, private, and strongly family-oriented, rarely bringing his personal life into the public domain.
Legal Career – From Advocate to Chief Justice of India
Early Career
Justice Surya Kant began practicing law in Haryana, gaining recognition for his expertise in:
- Constitutional law
- Administrative law
- Civil liberties
He later became the Advocate General of Haryana, one of the most influential legal positions in the state.
Judicial Appointments
- 2004: Elevated as Permanent Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court
- 2018: Appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court
- 2019: Elevated to the Supreme Court of India
2025 – Appointed Chief Justice of India
- Took Oath: 24 November 2025
- Becomes: 53rd Chief Justice of India
- Tenure Ends (Retirement): 9 February 2027
Notable Judgments & Judicial Approach
Justice Surya Kant has been part of several landmark decisions, including:
1. Article 370 Constitutional Bench
Participated in hearings on challenges related to the abrogation of Article 370.
2. Sedition Law Put on Hold
Part of the bench that kept enforcement of the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, pending government review.
3. Pegasus Spyware Case
Emphasized that “national security cannot be a free pass” and supported independent expert inquiry.
4. Electoral Transparency
Pressed the Election Commission for improved transparency in voter roll deletions in Bihar.
5. Gender Representation in Bar Associations
Ordered one-third reservation for women in bar association leadership positions.
His style is marked by:
- Thoughtful, balanced rulings
- Institutional strengthening
- Push for mediation and reduced court backlog
- Focus on fair access to justice
Priorities as Chief Justice of India
As CJI, Justice Surya Kant has expressed clear priorities:
1. Reduce Backlog
The Supreme Court is burdened with over 90,000 pending cases. Clearing arrears is his top focus.
2. Promote Mediation
Advocates alternative dispute resolution to speed up justice delivery.
3. Institutional Reforms
Aims to improve:
- Judicial infrastructure
- Gender inclusiveness
- Case management systems
Controversies
Justice Surya Kant’s elevation once came under scrutiny when a Supreme Court judge raised objections to his transfer/elevation in 2018.
However, the Collegium upheld its recommendation, and Kant continued rising through the judiciary to become CJI.
FAQs About Justice Surya Kant
1. What is Justice Surya Kant’s religion?
He follows Hinduism.
2. Who is Justice Surya Kant’s father?
Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, a respected Sanskrit teacher.
3. Does Justice Surya Kant have children?
Yes. He has a daughter, though the family maintains privacy.
4. Who is Justice Surya Kant’s wife?
He is married to Savita Vashisht.
5. When will he retire as Chief Justice?
On 9 February 2027 when he turns 65.
Conclusion
Justice Surya Kant’s journey—from a rural Haryana village to becoming the Chief Justice of India—reflects extraordinary determination and legal brilliance. His tenure as CJI is expected to be marked by judicial reforms, focus on clearing backlogs, and strengthening citizens’ access to justice.
His story stands as an inspiring reminder that discipline, academic excellence, and unwavering integrity can lead to the highest positions in Indian public life.
