JUSTICE SURYA KANT

NEWS – Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at Rashtrapati Bhawan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath, days after Justice Kant served on the 16th Presidential Reference Bench, clarifying the constitutional position on gubernatorial timelines for State Bills.

ABOUT CJI KANT 

• Known for a consensual and conciliatory judicial style.
• Played a crucial role in diffusing the farmers’ agitation, nudging both sides towards negotiation.

• Article 370 Abrogation Case – part of the Bench upholding constitutional changes in J&K.
• Electoral Bonds Judgment – the scheme was struck down as unconstitutional.
• Pegasus Surveillance Case – member of the Bench ordering independent investigation.
• Sedition Law Suspension Proceedings – part of judicial scrutiny of Section 124A IPC.

• His tenure will be closely watched for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) case.
• The Bench has made SIR procedures citizen-friendly but has yet to examine its constitutional validity.
• SIR has expanded from Bihar to 12 States/UTs, covering 51 crore people, making the decision nationally significant.

Administrative Priorities

• Chief Justice Surya Kant has declared that reducing the pendency of over 90,000 cases in the Supreme Court will be his top priority.
• Emphasis on strengthening court efficiency and reducing procedural delays.

PRELIMS CORNER: CJI APPOINTMENT (ARTICLE 124(2))

• Appointing Authority: President of India.
• Recommendation: Outgoing CJI (as per convention).
• Qualifications:
  • Indian citizen; and
  • 5 years as HC Judge / 10 years as HC advocate / distinguished jurist.
• Tenure: Until 65 years.
• Removal: Only by Presidential order after special majority in both Houses of Parliament.