Justice Surya Kant has been sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, marking a significant moment in the country's judicial history. The new CJI will serve a substantial tenure of nearly one year and three months, providing stability and continuity to India's highest judicial office.
From Agricultural Roots to Judicial Heights
In an exclusive conversation with Dhananjay Mahapatra shortly after taking oath, Justice Surya Kant revealed how his upbringing in an agricultural family in Petwar profoundly influenced his judicial philosophy. Growing up working in family fields taught me patience in the most practical way possible, he shared, drawing parallels between farming and justice delivery.
The judge emphasized that his early life experiences shaped his approach to law, instilling in him the importance of handling cases steadily and thoughtfully. Justice, like harvest, cannot be forced. It has to be nurtured with consistency and respect for due process, he stated, highlighting the values that guide his judicial conduct.
The Unplanned Journey to Chief Justiceship
When asked about his aspirations to become CJI, Justice Surya Kant revealed that while every advocate dreams of making a difference, the dream of heading the judiciary never crossed my mind as long as I was an advocate. His career progression from government pleader to advocate general of Haryana to High Court judge happened organically, without strategic planning.
Addressing questions about the seniority-cum-merit system, the new CJI firmly stated that the CJI post is not a reward of chance or luck. He emphasized that reaching this position requires decades of hard work, integrity, and demonstrated ability to decide cases with fairness and balance. The role demands sustained excellence and a reputation for integrity built over an entire judicial career.
Priorities and Vision for Indian Judiciary
As the first Chief Justice from Haryana, Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the personal pride this milestone brings but quickly emphasized that once one takes oath, he does not belong to any particular state, he belongs to the entire country.
His priorities focus on addressing critical challenges facing the judiciary:
- Reducing case backlog through structural improvements in case management
- Ensuring speedy justice without compromising fairness
- Making justice accessible to marginalized and poor communities
- Strengthening the system to honor constitutional goals
On the topic of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), Justice Surya Kant defended them as one of the most significant judicial innovations in our constitutional history, while acknowledging instances of misuse. He stressed that constitutional courts remain conscious of jurisdictional limitations and often direct petitioners to approach High Courts first.
Navigating the Digital Age in Judiciary
The CJI also addressed challenges posed by social media and digital communication, noting that judges remain detached from social media, and that is a blessing. He expressed concern about how courtroom exchanges are often broadcast without context, creating misleading impressions.
Despite these challenges, Justice Surya Kant affirmed that fear of distortion cannot dilute the pursuit of truth. He committed to continuing the tradition of asking probing questions necessary for justice delivery, while being mindful of the digital environment's impact on judicial proceedings.
The new Chief Justice's extensive tenure provides an opportunity to implement meaningful reforms and strengthen India's judicial infrastructure, building on the foundation laid by his predecessors while bringing his unique perspective shaped by both agricultural roots and extensive legal experience.
