Surya Kant biography covers the 53rd Chief Justice of India’s rise from Hisar village to the Supreme Court. Discover his age, wife, and achievements.
Who is Surya Kant?
Surya Kant biography chronicles the remarkable journey of one of India’s most distinguished jurists. Born on 10 February 1962 in the village of Petwar, Hisar district, Haryana, he has risen from humble rural beginnings to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India. At 63 years old in 2026, Justice Surya Kant represents the pinnacle of judicial achievement in the world’s largest democracy.
Justice Kant’s ascent to the highest judicial office is particularly significant as he became the first person from Haryana to hold the position of Chief Justice of India. His career spanning over four decades exemplifies dedication, intellectual rigour, and unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
Throughout his judicial tenure, Justice Kant has delivered numerous landmark judgments on human rights, gender justice, education, and prison reforms. His decisions on matters ranging from the abrogation of Article 370 to the suspension of the sedition law have shaped India’s constitutional landscape.
Justice Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu. His tenure will continue until 9 February 2027.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Surya Kant |
| Date of Birth | 10 February 1962 |
| Age (2026) | 63 years old |
| Place of Birth | Petwar village, Hisar, Haryana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Wife | Savita Vashisht |
| Father | Madan Gopal Sharma (Sanskrit teacher) |
| Education | LLB (MDU Rohtak), LLM (Kurukshetra University) |
| Position | 53rd Chief Justice of India |
| Previous Position | Judge, Supreme Court of India |
| Term as CJI | 24 November 2025 – 9 February 2027 |
| Notable Achievement | First CJI from Haryana |
Early Life and Background
Surya Kant was born into a middle-class family in Petwar, a small village in Haryana’s Hisar district. His father, Madan Gopal Sharma, was a respected Sanskrit teacher who instilled in him the values of education, discipline, and traditional knowledge. Growing up in rural Haryana during the 1960s and 1970s presented numerous challenges, with limited access to resources.
The young Surya Kant attended a village school that reportedly lacked basic amenities such as benches until Class VIII. Despite these modest circumstances, he demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude and determination. His upbringing in a teacher’s household cultivated a deep respect for learning.
His father passed away in 2018, but his influence on Justice Kant’s character remained profound. These formative years in Hisar gave Justice Kant a strong connection to his roots and an understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Educational Background
Justice Surya Kant’s academic journey began at the Government Post Graduate College in Hisar, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialisation in Geography in 1981. He then pursued his Bachelor of Laws from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, completing it in 1984.
What sets Justice Kant apart academically is his pursuit of higher education whilst serving as a sitting judge. In 2011, he earned his Master of Laws degree from Kurukshetra University through distance education, achieving the remarkable distinction of securing First Class First position.
His academic excellence later reflected in his ability to handle complex constitutional frameworks and deliver nuanced legal interpretations. Justice Kant’s educational achievements stand as testament to the principle that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Judicial Career
Justice Surya Kant began his legal practice at the District Court in Hisar in 1984 immediately after completing his law degree. The following year, he shifted to Chandigarh to practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, specialising in Constitutional, Service, and Civil matters.
On 7 July 2000, at the age of 38, he was appointed Advocate General of Haryana, becoming the youngest person to hold this prestigious constitutional position. He was designated as Senior Advocate in March 2001, further cementing his reputation at the Bar.
Justice Kant entered the judiciary on 9 January 2004 when he was elevated as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He served there for over fourteen years, delivering several important judgments. On 5 October 2018, he assumed office as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
The Supreme Court collegium recommended his elevation to the apex court in May 2019, and he took oath as a Supreme Court judge on 24 May 2019. His elevation to Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025 marked the culmination of over four decades of distinguished legal service.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Started legal practice | District Court, Hisar |
| 1985 | Shifted to Chandigarh | Punjab & Haryana High Court |
| 2000 | Appointed Advocate General | Youngest AG of Haryana at 38 |
| 2001 | Designated Senior Advocate | Recognition of excellence |
| 2004 | Elevated to High Court Judge | Punjab & Haryana High Court |
| 2018 | Appointed Chief Justice | Himachal Pradesh High Court |
| 2019 | Elevated to Supreme Court | Judge of apex court |
| 2025 | Appointed CJI | 53rd Chief Justice of India |
Personal Life and Family
Justice Surya Kant is married to Savita Vashisht, who has been a constant source of support throughout his distinguished career. She maintains a low profile, staying away from the public spotlight whilst providing emotional stability that has enabled her husband’s professional achievements.
The family has always maintained privacy regarding personal matters, reflecting values instilled during Justice Kant’s upbringing. Justice Kant follows the Hindu faith and has maintained strong connections to his roots in Haryana despite his elevation to the nation’s highest judicial office.
Landmark Judgments and Achievements
Justice Surya Kant has presided over numerous cases that have shaped India’s constitutional landscape. In 2023, he was part of the Constitution Bench that unanimously upheld the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He contributed significantly to the landmark judgment declaring the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional, emphasising transparency in political funding. Justice Kant also served on the bench that suspended the colonial-era sedition law, directing that no new cases be registered under it pending government review.
The Jasvir Singh judgment, delivered during his tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, directed the state to enable conjugal and family visits for prison inmates, recognising their right to family life under Article 21. He has championed gender justice by directing that one-third of seats in bar associations be reserved for women.
Justice Kant upheld the One Rank One Pension scheme for armed forces veterans and ordered investigations into the security lapse during Prime Minister Modi’s 2022 Punjab visit. He has also served as Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority.
Final Thoughts
Justice Surya Kant’s journey from a village school without benches to the Chief Justice’s chambers represents an inspiring narrative of merit, dedication, and constitutional commitment. His elevation as the first Chief Justice of India from Haryana carries special significance for millions who see in his story the possibility of achieving excellence regardless of humble beginnings.
His judicial tenure has been marked by a harmonious blend of constitutional rigour and empathy. As CJI, Justice Kant faces the challenging task of addressing India’s massive case backlog whilst deciding constitutional questions of profound importance. With his tenure continuing until February 2027, he has the opportunity to leave an enduring legacy on India’s judicial system and constitutional jurisprudence.
FAQs About Surya Kant
How old is Justice Surya Kant in 2026?
Justice Surya Kant is 63 years old in 2026, having been born on 10 February 1962 in Petwar village, Hisar, Haryana. He will fully turn 63 in February 2026.
Who is Justice Surya Kant’s wife?
Justice Surya Kant is married to Savita Vashisht. She has remained a supportive presence throughout his career whilst maintaining a private profile away from public attention.
When did Justice Surya Kant become Chief Justice of India?
Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office.
What are Justice Surya Kant’s most notable judgments?
Justice Surya Kant has been part of landmark judgments including the Article 370 abrogation case, Electoral Bonds Scheme verdict, suspension of the sedition law, and the One Rank One Pension ruling for armed forces veterans.
Until when will Justice Surya Kant serve as CJI?
Justice Surya Kant’s tenure as Chief Justice of India will continue until 9 February 2027, when he will retire upon attaining the age of 65 years, completing approximately fifteen months in office.
What makes Justice Surya Kant’s appointment historic?
Justice Surya Kant is the first person from Haryana to become Chief Justice of India, making his appointment particularly significant for the state and its legal community.
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