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New Delhi, October 24 (IANS) The central government has written a letter to Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, seeking his recommendation for the appointment of his successor.
The process marks the formal beginning of the appointment process for the next CJI, a step that is traditionally taken about a month before he leaves office.
CJI Gavai is scheduled to retire on November 23.
This is in line with the established tradition that the outgoing CJI nominates the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered suitable to hold the highest judicial office in the country.
Seniority wise, Justice Surya Kant is in line to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India and is expected to take over after the retirement of Justice Gavai.
CJI Gavai, who is currently on a four-day official visit to Bhutan, is expected to send his recommendations to the central government after his return to New Delhi.
Under the memorandum of procedure governing appointments to the higher judiciary, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju seeks the recommendation of the outgoing CJI to name his successor, a process designed to ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of the judiciary.
Justice Surya Kant, born on February 10, 1962 in Hisar, Haryana, started his legal practice in Hisar District Court in 1984 and transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court a year later.
Known for his expertise in constitutional, service and civil law, he has represented several universities, boards and corporations, and also served as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000.
He was elevated as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004, and served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from October 5, 2018, before being elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
Justice Surya Kant is scheduled to retire on February 9, 2027, giving him a tenure of about 15 months after being appointed as the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Currently, he also serves as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee from November 2024.
–IANS
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