The appointment of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India has sparked jubilant celebrations in his native village Petwar, located in Haryana's Hisar district. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Kant on Sunday, marking the beginning of his tenure that will continue until February 9, 2027.
Village Pride and Celebrations
In Petwar village, the news was met with immediate celebration as villagers distributed laddoos to mark the historic occasion. Urmila, the village sarpanch, expressed the community's excitement, stating they plan to host a grand function in the village chaupal whenever Justice Kant visits. Urmila, accompanied by her husband Satbir Singh, traveled to Delhi to witness the oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan firsthand.
Former Classmates and Well-wishers Gather
The events drew significant participation from Hisar residents who traveled to New Delhi to show their support. Justice Kant's former classmates, who still affectionately call him 'Surya,' exchanged congratulatory messages and shared fond memories of their school days together.
Phool Kumar, a farmer who studied with Justice Kant in classes 9 and 10, attended the Supreme Court event on Monday. "He was always very intelligent in school," Phool recalled. "I had failed class 9 twice when Surya joined, but even today, after all his achievements, he still remembers our names."
Legal Community Shows Solidarity
The legal community from Hisar demonstrated strong support for their native son. Mahender Singh Nain, a lawyer from Hisar, revealed that 136 advocates from the district court traveled to Delhi for the occasion. While some attended the oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, others watched the live telecast from the Supreme Court premises before meeting Justice Kant over brunch.
"We reminisced about our days in the Hisar court," Nain said. "The Chief Justice assured us that he would visit Petwar and nearby towns, including Hisar."
Political Leaders Extend Congratulations
Prominent political figures across Haryana welcomed Justice Kant's elevation to the country's highest judicial office. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda congratulated Justice Surya Kant and expressed happiness that a judge from Haryana has risen to such an esteemed position. "We and the entire state are proud of him," he stated.
Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala described Justice Kant's elevation as a "historic and proud moment for every Haryanvi." He emphasized that Justice Surya Kant becoming the first Chief Justice of India from Haryana represents not just a personal milestone but a tribute to his humility, perseverance, and dedication.
"Hailing from a small village in Hisar, his rise to the top reflects unfathomable power of courage, belief and hard work," Surjewala added, noting that Justice Kant is admired across the Bar for his patience and extraordinary memory, and respected on the Bench for his experience, balance, and ability to carry everyone along.
Justice Kant earned his law degree from Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak back in 1984, after which he began his legal practice at the Hisar court, laying the foundation for his remarkable journey to the Supreme Court.
