CJI-Designate Surya Kant Vows Focus on Clearing Pendency, Boosting Mediation Culture
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Delhi, November,22,2025-CJI-Designate Justice Surya Kant today observed that upon assuming office, expeditious reduction of case pendency and strengthening the framework for mediation would stand as his foremost priorities.
Addressing a press briefing from his residential office, Justice Kant underscored that the growing pendency of cases, attributable to multiple systemic and procedural factors, would remain a matter of foremost concern on the Apex Court’s agenda.
He further observed that it is imperative to strengthen the emphasis on mediation within the Indian legal framework, coupled with the establishment and advancement of dedicated mediation centres across the nation.
Justice Surya Kant is set to assume charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, marking the commencement of a tenure that will extend until February 9, 2027
Born on 10th February, 1962 at Hisar (Haryana) in a middle-class family. Graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar in 1981.
Earned Bachelor’s degree in Law in 1984 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Started practicing Law at the District Court, Hisar in 1984. Shifted to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Specialised in Constitutional, Service and Civil matters. Represented a number of Universities, Boards, Corporations, Banks and also the High Court itself. Earned distinction of being appointed the youngest Advocate General of Haryana on July 7, 2000. Designated as Senior Advocate in March, 2001.
Held the office of Advocate General, Haryana till his elevation as a permanent Judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 09, 2004. Was nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of National Legal Services Authority on February 23, 2007 for two consecutive terms till February 22, 2011.
Presently a member of various Committees of Indian Law Institute – a deemed university under the aegis of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Earned another distinction of standing First Class First in his Master’s degree in Law in 2011 from the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. Has also organised and attended various prestigious National/International Conferences.
Assumed charge of the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh with effect from 05th October, 2018.
Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 24th May, 2019. Also, Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, w.e.f., 12th November, 2024.
