In a heartfelt homecoming, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant received a hero's welcome in his native Petwar village in Haryana's Hansi district this Saturday. This marked his first visit after being sworn in as the 53rd CJI in November 2025. The air was filled with celebration as villagers danced to the energetic beats of the dhol, and the path to the venue was adorned with posters hailing him as 'Petwar Rattan' (Jewel of Petwar).
A Village Celebrates Its Son
The felicitation ceremony drew admirers from nearby areas, all eager to catch a glimpse of the man who has become a symbol of inspiration. Rajbir Shastri, 61, travelled 14 km from Rakhi Garhi village, waking up at 6 am for the occasion. He expressed how the CJI's commitment to justice, including his famous statement that courts could sit till midnight for poor litigants, has motivated many young villagers.
Elderly resident Chander Singh Jangra, 80, who has known 'Surya' since childhood, was given the honour of presenting him with a turban. He remembered the CJI as a consistently hardworking boy, a trait that has clearly defined his illustrious career.
From Humble Beginnings to the Apex Court
During his emotional address, Justice Surya Kant peeled back the layers of his humble origins. He revealed that no one in his family or extended relatives had any background in law. His decision to pursue legal studies was born purely from personal determination. "I was a bit stubborn," he confessed, recalling the dilemma after graduation when some family members suggested preparing for government job exams instead.
The cornerstone of his success, he emphasized, was the unwavering support of his father, Madan Gopal Shastri, a school teacher burdened with educating four children. "He was both a friend and a guide. Had he not supported me then, my career would have been very difficult," the CJI stated, highlighting the pivotal role his father played at every stage.
He also fondly remembered his English teacher, Prem Singh, who held extra classes to help students excel in their 1977 Class 10 examinations. He spoke of the struggles of his school days in Petwar—sitting on floors, facing teacher shortages, and the challenge when their English teacher was transferred. Yet, he expressed pride in the dedication of the teachers of that era.
Inaugurating Courts and a Vision for Accessible Justice
The visit was not just ceremonial. Accompanied by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Justice Surya Kant inaugurated two new court complexes—one in Barwala (Hisar district) and another in Narnaund (Hansi district). He also laid the foundation stone for an upcoming court complex, with judicial work in the two new facilities set to begin the following Monday.
He outlined the primary objective behind these developments: to make justice simple, accessible, and affordable for the common citizen. The 'Justice at Your Doorstep' concept, by bringing judicial complexes closer to the public, has proven particularly effective for the poor, he noted. The CJI stressed that while continuous infrastructure development is crucial, it is equally important that citizens receive quality justice.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Sheel Nagu, several other High Court judges, and Haryana Ministers Ranbir Singh Gangwa and Arvind Sharma. Union Minister Meghwal praised the CJI, calling him "sooraj, the Sun," and blessed the village that produced such a distinguished personality.
As the CJI embraced schoolchildren and signed autographs for paintings they made of him, the moment encapsulated a journey of dreams. Class 12 student Pankaj summed up the village's sentiment, saying the CJI's rise gives them the strength to believe they too can fulfil their dreams and bring honour to Petwar.
