The legal community in Hisar erupted in joyous celebrations on Monday as Justice Surya Kant, who began his legal career in the city nearly 41 years ago, was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Festivities Grip Hisar Court Complex
The historic moment triggered spontaneous celebrations across the Hisar district courts complex. Lawyers danced enthusiastically to drum beats, with Additional Sessions Judge Natasha Sharma joining the festive atmosphere. The entire Bar premises echoed with thunderous applause as the swearing-in ceremony was live-streamed from Delhi.
The District Bar Association organized a day-long event to commemorate the elevation of their distinguished colleague. At 9:30 AM, a sacred havan was performed near the Litigant Hall, followed by live screening of the oath ceremony at 10 AM. From 10 AM to 1 PM, the Bar hosted a free health camp and prosthetic limb distribution program within its premises.
Family Roots and Humble Beginnings
Justice Surya Kant's three brothers—Dr Shiv Kant, Rishi Kant, and Dev Kant—attended the swearing-in ceremony along with their families. His elder sister Kamala Devi and in-laws Rampratap and Aarti Devi also witnessed the proud moment. The Justice had recently visited their ancestral village, Petwat in Hisar, for Diwali celebrations.
Justice Surya Kant began his legal practice in 1984-85 under late senior advocate Atmaram Bansal at the Hisar District Court. He worked there for nearly six months before shifting to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, marking the beginning of an illustrious judicial journey.
According to his brother Rishikant, the family largely comes from a teaching background. Their father, Madan Gopal Shastri, was a Sanskrit teacher and noted literary figure who wrote the Ramayana in Haryanvi. He received the Surdas Award from the Hindi Sahitya Akademi for this work and authored 14 books, also being honored with the Pandit Lakhmichand Award.
Personal Touch and Future Plans
A delegation of senior and young advocates from Hisar and Hansi traveled to the Supreme Court to witness the ceremony personally. Hisar Bar Association President Advocate Sandeep Boora, Secretary Advocate Sameer Bhatia, Vice President Advocate Vikas Poonia, and Joint Secretaries Sunil Bhardwaj and Sunil Sahdev Soni confirmed that the new CJI held a special interaction with advocates from both bars after the ceremony inside the Supreme Court complex.
Bar President Sandeep Boora revealed that the association hopes to invite Chief Justice Surya Kant to Hisar soon. A resolution to this effect will be passed shortly, followed by a formal invitation to the native son who has brought immense pride to the legal community.
Justice Surya Kant's elder brother, Shivkant, shared insights into the CJI's personal preferences, noting that he enjoys simple, home-cooked meals. His favorites include missi roti, bajra roti, garlic chutney, lassi, and moong dal. Justice Surya Kant's wife, Savita Surya Kant, is a retired college principal and former English professor. The couple has two daughters, Mugdha and Kanupriya, who are currently pursuing their studies.
