In a landmark moment for India’s judiciary, Mr. Surya Kant will be sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, November 24, 2025. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, to be administered by President Draupadi Murmu, marks not only a leadership transition from the outgoing Chief Justice Mr. B.R. Gavai but also an unprecedented international judicial congregation. For the first time, chief justices, judges, and their family members from six different countries will attend the swearing-in, underscoring India’s growing diplomatic and institutional engagement with global judicial systems.
Judicial Dignitaries From Six Nations Arrive in India
More than a dozen distinguished jurists from Nepal, Bhutan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka will be present at the ceremony. Their participation signals strengthened cross-border judicial cooperation and reflects India’s expanding influence in fostering global legal dialogue. Delegates include chief justices, sitting judges, former judges, ministers, and accompanying family members—demonstrating the significance attached to India’s judicial institutions by partner nations.
Nepal’s Delegation
Representatives from Nepal include Chief Justice Mr. Prakash Man Singh Raut, Supreme Court Judge Ms. Sapna Pradhan Malla along with her husband Mr. Ashok Bahadur Malla, former Supreme Court Judge and current minister Mr. Anil Kumar Sinha and his wife Ms. Ursila Sinha.
Bhutan’s Delegation
Bhutan will be represented by Chief Justice Mr. Lyonpo Norbu Tshering and his wife Ms. Lhaden Lotay.
Kenyan Dignitaries
Kenya’s Chief Justice Ms. Martha Koome and Supreme Court Judge Ms. Susan Njoki Ndung’u will attend the ceremony, reflecting Kenya’s strong institutional relations with India.
Malaysia’s Representation
Malaysia’s Federal Court Judge Ms. Tan Sri Datuk Nalini Pathmanathan and her husband Mr. Pasupathi Sivapragasam will also be part of the distinguished gathering.
Mauritius Leadership
The Chief Justice of Mauritius Ms. Bibi Rehana Mungli Gulbul and her daughter Ms. Rebecca Hannah Bibi Gulbul will grace the occasion as well.
Sri Lankan Judicial Leaders
Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Mr. P. Padman Surasena and his wife Ms. Sepalika Surasena, along with Supreme Court Judges Mr. S. Thurairaja and Ms. Ahmed Nawaz and their spouses, complete the international delegation.
Justice Surya Kant: A Distinguished Journey From Rural Haryana to India’s Highest Judicial Office
Born on February 10, 1962, in a modest family in Petwar village, Hisar district, Mr. Surya Kant’s rise reflects the transformative potential of India’s democratic and meritocratic institutions. After completing his schooling in Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, he earned his law degree from Maharshi Dayanand University in 1984 and began practicing at the Hisar District Court. His exceptional capabilities soon led him to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where his career accelerated rapidly—becoming Haryana’s youngest Advocate General in 2000 and later a Senior Advocate. Elevated as a High Court judge in 2004, he went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his appointment to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.
A Jurist Committed to Constitutional Values and Developmental Justice
Throughout his judicial career, Mr. Surya Kant has been known for decisions rooted in equity, social welfare, institutional accountability, and constitutional integrity. His judgments reflect a strong developmental ethos, emphasizing environmental balance, service jurisprudence, and transparency in public administration. His ascension to the position of Chief Justice is widely viewed as a pivotal step in strengthening judicial reforms, access to justice, and administrative modernization.
