Chief Justice Of India: How CJI Is Appointed? What Roles And Powers Does He Have? All You Need To Know

Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, is in the news again after he called out the INDIA Bloc's protest march towards the Supreme Court earlier last week, over the alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. "Nobody can browbeat judiciary," CJI Surya Kant said, referring to Rahul Gandhi-led opposition MPs' march to the apex court. 

He said that the doors of the Supreme Court are open for everyone, conditioned that leaders follow the law and file proper court petitions instead of asking for private political meetings. This decision has reiterated the power of the judiciary, choosing to maintain strict professional boundaries instead of holding closed-door meetings with political leaders.

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All About CJI Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant is the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Born on February 10, 1962, he is the first person from Haryana to hold the country's highest judicial position. Before joining the Supreme Court in 2019, he served as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He took the oath as the CJI on November 24, 2025, and will serve until his retirement on February 9, 2027.

How Is CJI Appointed?

The Chief Justice of India is appointed under Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution, keeping the judiciary independent from political interference.

1. Traditionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is chosen to be the next Chief Justice of India. 

2. About one month before retiring, the current CJI proposes the name of the senior-most judge to the Law Minister.

3. The Law Minister then passes on this name to the Prime Minister.

4. The PM reviews the name and officially advises the President of India to approve the appointment.

5. The final appointment is then officially signed by the President of India. The new CJI takes the official oath at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

Roles And Responsibilities Of CJI

The Chief Justice of India is the epitome of the Indian judicial system. As the "Master of the Roster," the CJI is responsible for deciding which judge will hear which cases. Leading the collegium, the CJI recommends the appointment of new judges to the High Courts and the Supreme Court. In cases where the court needs to explain or protect the rules of the Constitution, the CJI leads the legal debates.

List Of Chief Justices In India

Since its inception on January 26, 1950, there have been 53 Chief Justices of India. Justice Surya Kant is currently serving as the 53rd CJI.