Justice Surya Kant: A Journey from Humble Beginnings to the Apex of Indian Judiciary

Justice Surya Kant stands as a beacon of dedication and legal brilliance within the Supreme Court of India, his career a remarkable ascent through the echelons of the nation’s judicial framework. Born into a modest middle-class family in Hisar, Haryana, his life story is a powerful narrative of unwavering commitment, profound legal acumen, and an enduring dedication to the cause of justice. As he approaches his anticipated stewardship as the Chief Justice of India, a deeper understanding of his personal journey, professional milestones, and underlying judicial philosophy becomes increasingly vital for those seeking to grasp the evolving landscape of Indian jurisprudence and the operational dynamics of its highest court.1 This comprehensive article endeavors to meticulously explore the life and career of Justice Surya Kant, tracing his path from his formative years and initial forays into legal practice to his present role as a Supreme Court judge and his expected future leadership of the judiciary.1

Surya Kant’s journey commenced on February 10, 1962, in the heart of Hisar, a significant town nestled in the state of Haryana.1 Raised in a middle-class household, his foundational education was rooted in his village school, a humble beginning that laid the groundwork for an extraordinary academic and professional trajectory . His pursuit of knowledge led him to graduate from Government Post Graduate College in Hisar in 1981, marking an early milestone in his academic endeavors . Demonstrating an early and keen interest in the intricacies of law, he furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1984 from the esteemed Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak . Notably, even after his elevation to the bench as a judge in the High Court, Justice Surya Kant’s thirst for academic excellence remained unquenched, leading him to earn a Master of Laws degree with First Class First distinction from Kurukshetra University in 2011 . This unwavering dedication to continuous learning and scholarly achievement within the legal domain undoubtedly shapes his nuanced approach to the complex legal issues that come before him.

Embarking on his professional career, Justice Surya Kant commenced his legal practice in 1984 at the District Court in Hisar, gaining invaluable foundational experience in the practical application of law at the grassroots level . A year later, in 1985, he made a significant decision to relocate his practice to Chandigarh, focusing his legal expertise on matters before the Punjab and Haryana High Court . During his tenure as an advocate, he developed a specialization in Constitutional, Service, and Civil matters, cultivating a deep understanding of fundamental rights, administrative law, and the intricacies of private dispute resolution . His burgeoning expertise soon garnered significant attention, leading him to represent a diverse array of clients, including various universities, boards, corporations, and banks . This early focus on fundamental areas of law and his representation of varied entities provided him with a robust and comprehensive foundation for his subsequent distinguished judicial career .

A pivotal moment in Justice Surya Kant’s professional journey arrived with his appointment as the Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000 . This achievement was particularly significant as he held the distinction of being the youngest individual to be appointed to this prestigious constitutional position in the state . As the Advocate General, he shouldered the critical responsibilities of providing legal counsel to the state government on a wide spectrum of legal matters and representing the state’s interests before the courts . His tenure in this crucial constitutional role extended until his elevation as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004 . Prior to assuming the office of Advocate General, his exceptional legal acumen was further recognized with his designation as a Senior Advocate in March 2001 . The relatively short interval between his designation as a Senior Advocate and his appointment as a High Court judge underscores the rapid and consistent advancement of his legal career, a testament to his remarkable competence and the high esteem he commanded within the legal fraternity .

Justice Surya Kant’s judicial career reached a new zenith with his appointment as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004 . During his tenure at the High Court, which spanned until his appointment as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, he made significant and enduring contributions to the administration of justice . One of his most notable judgments during this period was the Jasvir Singh case, where he issued a directive to the State of Punjab to establish a Jail Reforms Committee tasked with formulating a comprehensive scheme for conjugal and family visits for jail inmates . This landmark judgment underscored his progressive and reform-oriented approach to prison administration, emphasizing the fundamental human rights and the reformatory objectives of incarceration . Beyond his impactful judicial pronouncements, Justice Surya Kant’s administrative capabilities were also widely recognized during his time at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.13 Further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to broader legal principles and societal well-being, he was nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for two consecutive terms, from February 23, 2007, to February 22, 2011 . His repeated nomination to this significant body highlights his profound dedication to ensuring equitable access to justice for all segments of society, with a particular focus on those who are marginalized and underprivileged .

The trajectory of Justice Surya Kant’s distinguished career took another significant turn with his appointment as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, where he assumed office on October 5, 2018 . His tenure as Chief Justice, although relatively brief, extended until his elevation to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019 . His appointment as Chief Justice was not entirely without discussion, as Justice A.K. Goel, a consultee judge, expressed a differing opinion to the Collegium’s recommendation . However, the Supreme Court Collegium, while firmly recommending his elevation, underscored the critical importance of ensuring adequate representation from all High Courts within the Supreme Court . Upon his elevation to the apex court, a full court reference was convened at the Himachal Pradesh High Court to bid him farewell, acknowledging his valuable contributions to the institution . This relatively short but impactful stint as Chief Justice provided him with invaluable experience in leading a High Court, further solidifying his credentials for assuming the highest judicial office in the nation .

Justice Surya Kant’s distinguished journey culminated in his elevation to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019 . His name was put forth by the Supreme Court Collegium, then headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi . Notably, his elevation involved the supersession of 11 judges who held greater seniority than him at that juncture . The Collegium addressed this aspect by explicitly stating that the recommendation was made with the specific objective of ensuring adequate representation from the Punjab and Haryana High Court within the Supreme Court . Currently, Justice Surya Kant holds a position of significant seniority within the Supreme Court and is in line to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India . Further underscoring his unwavering commitment to accessible justice for all, he assumed the crucial role of Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) effective from November 12, 2024 . This pivotal role places him at the forefront of the Supreme Court’s endeavors to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker and more vulnerable sections of society .

As a Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Surya Kant has been an integral part of numerous landmark judgments, reflecting his extensive and diverse legal expertise and his deep engagement with critical constitutional and societal issues . His significant judicial contributions include his involvement in the complex and sensitive matters concerning the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution . He has also articulated his considered views on the validity of unstamped arbitration agreements, holding the significant position that non-stamping is a curable defect and does not render the agreement void . In the specific context of Article 370, he was part of the constitution bench that affirmed the President’s power under Article 370(3) to unilaterally notify that Article 370 shall cease to exist . Justice Surya Kant also served as a member of the bench that passed a crucial order in S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India, directing both the Central and State governments to refrain from registering First Information Reports (FIRs), continuing ongoing investigations, or taking any coercive measures under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to sedition law . In the case of Kalamani Tex v. P. Balasubramanian, he was part of the bench that firmly held that once the signatures on a cheque are duly admitted, the trial court should operate under the presumption that the cheque was indeed issued for the valid consideration of a legally enforceable debt . His deep concern for the rights and well-being of marginalized groups is clearly evident in cases such as Arvind Kumar Pandey v. Girish Pandey, where the court emphatically underscored the critical importance of a homemaker’s role within the family and held that their income, for the purposes of motor accident claims, should not be less than the wages of a daily wager as prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act . In the matter of Government of NCT of Delhi v. M/S BSK Realtors LLP and Anr, he was part of a bench that adopted a more flexible and pragmatic approach in cases involving larger public interest considerations, stating that the decision rendered in the first round of litigation may not invariably bar a second round of litigation . Furthermore, in Mariam Fasihuddin&Anr v. State by Adugodi Police Station & Anr., the bench provided crucial clarification on the necessary legal ingredients required to attract the provisions of Section 420 of the IPC, emphasizing the need to conclusively prove dishonest inducement to deliver property . Beyond these specific case pronouncements, Justice Surya Kant has also articulated notable remarks on broader societal issues. During a hearing concerning reservations, he astutely observed that the system of reservation in the country has, in some instances, become akin to “train compartments,” where those who have already secured the benefits are often reluctant to allow others to enter, thereby emphasizing the fundamental need for inclusivity and wider access to opportunities.2 In response to instances of criticism directed towards the judiciary, he firmly asserted that judges are “thick-skinned” and are not unduly perturbed by such situations, highlighting the resilience of the institution.20 His concurring opinion in Cox And Kings Ltd. vs Sap India Pvt. Ltd. thoughtfully addressed the validity of arbitration agreements in light of preceding judgments on the matter.3 He was also an integral part of the benches in the significant cases of Arvind Kejriwal vs Central Bureau Of Investigation 3, Mallada K. Sri Ram vs The State Of Telangana 3, and Vikram Singh vs Central Bureau Of Investigation.3 Even during his tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, his judicial impact was substantial, evidenced by judgments such as Budh Ram And Others vs State Of Haryana And Others 3, M/S Mayavti Trading Pvt. Ltd. vs Pradyuat Deb Burman 3, Vinod @ Boda And Others vs State Of Haryana And Another 3, Kaur Chand vs State Of Punjab And Others 3, Shingara Singh vs Mansa Central Co-Op. Bank Ltd. 3, Kaur Chand vs State Of Punjab And Others 3, Vinod Mittal And Others v. State Of Haryana And Others concerning HUDA regulations 3, and his involvement in case CM-1487-CWP-2014.3 Notably, he also recorded a dissenting view in the Aligarh Muslim University minority status judgment.18 More recently, he was part of the bench that addressed the serious issue of alleged caste-based discrimination against a Punjab judicial officer, demonstrating his acute awareness of such critical issues within the judicial system . He also made a significant contribution to the judgment in Sunil Kumar Singh vs Bihar Legislative Council regarding the expulsion of a member.3 These diverse and impactful judgments and insightful observations underscore Justice Surya Kant’s comprehensive understanding of the law and his unwavering commitment to addressing a wide spectrum of legal and social issues with fairness and equity.

Justice Surya Kant is expected to assume the esteemed office of Chief Justice of India around November 24, 2025 . His anticipated tenure as the head of the Indian judiciary is projected to last for approximately 1.2 years, until his scheduled retirement on February 9, 2027 . Drawing upon his past judgments and pronouncements, his tenure as Chief Justice might witness a continued and усиленный emphasis on the protection of human rights, the advancement of gender justice, and the implementation of meaningful prison reforms . His prior valuable experience as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, coupled with his active involvement with prominent legal services authorities such as NALSA and the SCLSC, provides him with significant administrative acumen that will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in leading the Supreme Court and guiding the future direction of the Indian judicial system .

Throughout his distinguished career, Justice Surya Kant has also generously shared his insightful perspectives on a wide array of legal and social issues through various speeches and lectures . He has consistently stressed the paramount importance of the judicial system recognizing and actively protecting individuals who are indirectly but significantly impacted by court decisions, advocating for a heightened sense of sensitivity towards the needs and rights of marginalized sections of society.1 In a thought-provoking lecture delivered at HP National Law University, he thoughtfully discussed the profound impact of incarceration on the families of prisoners, reflecting his enduring interest in promoting meaningful prison reforms and rehabilitation . He has also articulated his firm belief that the principles and protections of law should be readily accessible to everyone in dire need, and not be confined to the privileged few.17 In his interactions with young aspiring lawyers, he has expressed a degree of concern regarding the growing trend of prioritizing glamour over gaining essential foundational experience in subordinate courts, emphasizing the enduring importance of hard work, dedication, and a strong ethical compass in building a successful legal career.28 His participation in the prestigious Commonwealth Law Conference saw him eloquently speaking on the critical need for consensus between diverse democratic and autocratic systems in addressing pressing global issues, while also highlighting the pivotal role of the Indian judiciary in interpreting law as a dynamic and evolving instrument of justice.17 Furthermore, he has announced significant initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice, such as allowing poor convicts to freely choose senior lawyers for representation in the Supreme Court, underscoring his deep commitment to ensuring that justice is not denied to anyone based on their economic circumstances.17 These insightful pronouncements offer a deeper and more nuanced understanding of his underlying judicial philosophy and his unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of justice that extend far beyond the confines of courtrooms.

In conclusion, Justice Surya Kant’s remarkable career trajectory, from his humble beginnings in a middle-class family in Haryana to his current esteemed position as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, with the imminent prospect of becoming the Chief Justice, stands as a powerful testament to consistent dedication, unwavering perseverance, and a profound commitment to the core principles of law and justice . His significant contributions to the Indian judiciary, evident through his diverse and impactful judgments, his dedicated service in various administrative roles across High Courts and legal bodies, and his thoughtful and articulate perspectives on critical legal and social issues, collectively highlight his profound and lasting impact on the nation’s legal landscape . As he prepares to assume the mantle of Chief Justice of India, his exemplary past record strongly suggests a tenure that will likely be characterized by a continued and unwavering focus on the protection of fundamental rights, the promotion of social justice, and the steadfast commitment to ensuring the accessibility of law for all citizens of the nation .

Table 1: Justice Surya Kant’s Career Trajectory

CategoryDetailsSnippet(s)
Date of BirthFebruary 10, 1962
Place of BirthHisar, Haryana, India
EducationGovernment Post Graduate College, Hisar (Graduation 1981); Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak (LL.B. 1984); Kurukshetra University (LL.M. 2011)
Enrollment as Advocate1984
Senior Advocate DesignationMarch 2001
Advocate General of HaryanaJuly 7, 2000 – January 9, 2004
Judge, Punjab and Haryana High CourtJanuary 9, 2004 – October 4, 2018
Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High CourtOctober 5, 2018 – May 23, 2019
Judge, Supreme Court of IndiaMay 24, 2019 – Present
Expected CJI TenureNovember 24, 2025 – February 9, 2027
Retirement DateFebruary 9, 2027

Table 2: Notable Judgments of Justice Surya Kant

Case NameYearCourtSummary/SignificanceSnippet(s)
Jasvir SinghDuring tenurePunjab and Haryana High CourtDirected the State of Punjab to form a Jail Reforms Committee for conjugal and family visits for jail inmates.
In Re Interplay Between Arbitration Agreements Under The Arbitration And Conciliation Act 1996 And The Indian Stamp Act 1899–Supreme CourtHeld that unstamped or inadequately stamped arbitration agreements are admissible as evidence and the defect is curable. Overruled previous judgments.
In Re: Article 370 of the Constitution–Supreme CourtAffirmed the President’s power under Article 370(3) to abrogate Article 370.
S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India2022Supreme CourtDirected the Central and State governments to refrain from registering FIRs under Section 124A IPC (sedition law).
Kalamani Tex v. P. Balasubramanian2022Supreme CourtHeld that once signatures on a cheque are admitted, the presumption is that it was issued for a legally enforceable debt.
Arvind Kumar Pandey v. Girish Pandey2024Supreme CourtEmphasized the importance of a homemaker’s role and determined their income for motor accident claims.
Government of NCT of Delhi v. M/S BSK Realtors LLP and Anr2024Supreme CourtObserved that res judicata may not apply in cases involving larger public interest.
Mariam Fasihuddin&Anr v. State by Adugodi Police Station & Anr.2024Supreme CourtClarified the ingredients required to establish cheating under Section 420 IPC.
Vinod Mittal And Others v. State Of Haryana 195 And Others–Punjab and Haryana High CourtAddressed the liability of allottees to pay interest under HUDA regulations, linking it to the completion of basic amenities.3
Sunil Kumar Singh vs Bihar Legislative Council2025Supreme CourtUpheld the expulsion of a member of the Bihar Legislative Council.3