{"id":56303,"date":"2026-01-04T13:20:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T07:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=56303"},"modified":"2026-01-07T12:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T07:21:50","slug":"chief-justice-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/chief-justice-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Chief Justice of India, List from 1950 to 2026, Tenure"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Indian judiciary and is responsible for upholding constitutional values and ensuring justice for every citizen. Each CJI brings a distinct vision and approach to strengthening the legal system during their tenure. Since the Supreme Court\u2019s establishment on 26 January 1950, a total of 53 judges have served as Chief Justice of India.<\/p>\n

Justice Surya Kant<\/strong> is the 53rd Chief Justice of India 2026<\/strong>, assuming office on 24 November 2025<\/strong>, with a tenure marked by his focus on constitutional rights and judicial reforms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Chief Justice of India<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) stands at the apex of the judicial system and ensures that the Constitution is upheld in both spirit and practice. The CJI oversees the Supreme Court\u2019s functioning, allocation of cases, and judicial appointments while guiding the overall direction of India\u2019s legal framework. Justice Surya Kant<\/strong>, serving as the 53rd CJI of India 2026<\/strong>, is known for his balanced and rights-oriented judicial approach. He is set to lead the judiciary through a 15-month tenure<\/strong>, which will conclude on 9 February 2027<\/strong>, upon reaching the age of retirement.<\/p>\n

List of Chief Justice of India from 1950-2026<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since its establishment in 1950, the Supreme Court of India has been led by 53 Chief Justices, each playing a vital role in shaping the country\u2019s judicial system. Below is the complete List of Chief Justice of India from 1950-2026:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
List of Chief Justice of India from 1950-2026<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S. No.<\/strong><\/td>\nName<\/strong><\/td>\nDate of Appointment<\/strong><\/td>\nDate of Retirement<\/strong><\/td>\nTerm<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
53<\/td>\nJustice Surya Kant<\/td>\n24\/11\/2025<\/strong><\/td>\n09\/02\/2027<\/strong><\/td>\n15-month<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
52<\/td>\nJustice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai<\/td>\n14\/05\/2025<\/td>\n23\/11\/2025<\/td>\n6 months 10 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
51<\/td>\nJustice Sanjiv Khanna<\/td>\n11\/11\/2024<\/td>\n13\/05\/2025<\/td>\n6 months 2 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
50<\/td>\nJustice DY Chandrachud<\/td>\n09\/11\/2022<\/td>\n10\/11\/2024<\/td>\n2 years 1 day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
49<\/td>\nJustice UU Lalit<\/td>\n27\/08\/2022<\/td>\n08\/11\/2022<\/td>\n2 months 12 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
48<\/td>\nJustice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana<\/td>\n24\/04\/2021<\/td>\n26\/08\/2022<\/td>\n1 year 4 months 2 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
47<\/td>\nJustice Sharad Arvind Bobde<\/td>\n18\/11\/2019<\/td>\n23\/04\/2021<\/td>\n1 year 5 months 5 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
46<\/td>\nJustice Ranjan Gogoi<\/td>\n03\/10\/2018<\/td>\n17\/11\/2019<\/td>\n1 year 1 month 14 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
45<\/td>\nJustice Dipak Misra<\/td>\n28\/08\/2017<\/td>\n02\/10\/2018<\/td>\n1 year 1 month 5 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
44<\/td>\nJustice Jagdish Singh Khehar<\/td>\n04\/01\/2017<\/td>\n27\/08\/2017<\/td>\n7 months 23 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
43<\/td>\nJustice T. S. Thakur<\/td>\n03\/12\/2015<\/td>\n03\/01\/2017<\/td>\n1 year 1 month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
42<\/td>\nJustice H.L. Dattu<\/td>\n28\/09\/2014<\/td>\n02\/12\/2015<\/td>\n1 year 2 months 5 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
41<\/td>\nJustice R. M. Lodha<\/td>\n27\/04\/2014<\/td>\n27\/09\/2014<\/td>\n5 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
40<\/td>\nJustice P. Sathasivam<\/td>\n19\/07\/2013<\/td>\n26\/04\/2014<\/td>\n9 months 7 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
39<\/td>\nJustice Altamas Kabir<\/td>\n29\/09\/2012<\/td>\n18\/07\/2013<\/td>\n9 months 19 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
38<\/td>\nJustice S.H. Kapadia<\/td>\n12\/05\/2010<\/td>\n28\/09\/2012<\/td>\n2 years 4 months 16 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
37<\/td>\nJustice K.G. Balakrishnan<\/td>\n14\/01\/2007<\/td>\n12\/05\/2010<\/td>\n3 years 3 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
36<\/td>\nJustice Y.K. Sabharwal<\/td>\n01\/11\/2005<\/td>\n13\/01\/2007<\/td>\n1 year 2 months 13 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
35<\/td>\nJustice R.C. Lahoti<\/td>\n01\/06\/2004<\/td>\n31\/10\/2005<\/td>\n1 year 5 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
34<\/td>\nJustice S. Rajendra Babu<\/td>\n02\/05\/2004<\/td>\n31\/05\/2004<\/td>\n29 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
33<\/td>\nJustice V.N. Khare<\/td>\n19\/12\/2002<\/td>\n01\/05\/2004<\/td>\n1 year 4 months 13 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
32<\/td>\nJustice G.B. Pattanaik<\/td>\n08\/11\/2002<\/td>\n18\/12\/2002<\/td>\n1 month 10 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
31<\/td>\nJustice B.N. Kirpal<\/td>\n06\/05\/2002<\/td>\n07\/11\/2002<\/td>\n6 months 1 day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
30<\/td>\nJustice S.P. Bharucha<\/td>\n01\/11\/2001<\/td>\n05\/05\/2002<\/td>\n6 months 4 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
29<\/td>\nDr. Justice A.S. Anand<\/td>\n10\/10\/1998<\/td>\n31\/10\/2001<\/td>\n3 years 21 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
28<\/td>\nJustice M.M. Punchhi<\/td>\n18\/01\/1998<\/td>\n09\/10\/1998<\/td>\n8 months 22 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
27<\/td>\nJustice J.S. Verma<\/td>\n25\/03\/1997<\/td>\n17\/01\/1998<\/td>\n9 months 23 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
26<\/td>\nJustice A.M. Ahmadi<\/td>\n25\/10\/1994<\/td>\n24\/03\/1997<\/td>\n2 years 5 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
25<\/td>\nJustice M.N. Venkatachaliah<\/td>\n12\/02\/1993<\/td>\n24\/10\/1994<\/td>\n1 year 8 months 12 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
24<\/td>\nJustice L.M. Sharma<\/td>\n18\/11\/1992<\/td>\n11\/02\/1993<\/td>\n2 months 24 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
23<\/td>\nJustice M.H. Kania<\/td>\n13\/12\/1991<\/td>\n17\/11\/1992<\/td>\n11 months 4 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
22<\/td>\nJustice K.N. Singh<\/td>\n25\/11\/1991<\/td>\n12\/12\/1991<\/td>\n17 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
21<\/td>\nJustice Ranganath Misra<\/td>\n25\/09\/1990<\/td>\n24\/11\/1991<\/td>\n1 year 2 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
20<\/td>\nJustice Sabyasachi Mukherjee<\/td>\n18\/12\/1989<\/td>\n25\/09\/1990<\/td>\n9 months 7 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
19<\/td>\nJustice E.S. Venkataramiah<\/td>\n19\/06\/1989<\/td>\n17\/12\/1989<\/td>\n6 months 29 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
18<\/td>\nJustice R.S. Pathak<\/td>\n21\/12\/1986<\/td>\n18\/06\/1989<\/td>\n2 years 5 months 28 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
17<\/td>\nJustice P.N. Bhagwati<\/td>\n12\/07\/1985<\/td>\n20\/12\/1986<\/td>\n1 year 5 months 8 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16<\/td>\nJustice Y.V. Chandrachud<\/td>\n22\/02\/1978<\/td>\n11\/07\/1985<\/td>\n7 years 4 months 19 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15<\/td>\nJustice M. Hameedullah Beg<\/td>\n29\/01\/1977<\/td>\n21\/02\/1978<\/td>\n1 year 23 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14<\/td>\nJustice A.N. Ray<\/td>\n26\/04\/1973<\/td>\n28\/01\/1977<\/td>\n3 years 9 months 2 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13<\/td>\nJustice S.M. Sikri<\/td>\n22\/01\/1971<\/td>\n25\/04\/1973<\/td>\n2 years 3 months 3 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12<\/td>\nJustice J.C. Shah<\/td>\n17\/12\/1970<\/td>\n21\/01\/1971<\/td>\n1 month 4 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/td>\nJustice M. Hidayatullah<\/td>\n25\/02\/1968<\/td>\n16\/12\/1970<\/td>\n2 years 9 months 21 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/td>\nJustice K.N. Wanchoo<\/td>\n12\/04\/1967<\/td>\n24\/02\/1968<\/td>\n10 months 12 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\nJustice K. Subba Rao<\/td>\n30\/06\/1966<\/td>\n11\/04\/1967<\/td>\n9 months 12 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\nJustice A.K. Sarkar<\/td>\n16\/03\/1966<\/td>\n29\/06\/1966<\/td>\n3 months 13 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\nJustice P.B. Gajendragadkar<\/td>\n01\/02\/1964<\/td>\n15\/03\/1966<\/td>\n2 years 1 month 14 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\nJustice Bhuvneshwar Prasad Sinha<\/td>\n01\/10\/1959<\/td>\n31\/01\/1964<\/td>\n4 years 3 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\nJustice Sudhi Ranjan Das<\/td>\n01\/02\/1956<\/td>\n30\/09\/1959<\/td>\n3 years 7 months 29 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\nJustice Bijan Kumar Mukherjea<\/td>\n23\/12\/1954<\/td>\n31\/01\/1956<\/td>\n1 year 1 month 8 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\nJustice Mehr Chand Mahajan<\/td>\n04\/01\/1954<\/td>\n22\/12\/1954<\/td>\n11 months 18 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\nJustice M. Patanjali Sastri<\/td>\n07\/11\/1951<\/td>\n03\/01\/1954<\/td>\n2 years 1 month 27 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/td>\nJustice Harilal Jekisundas Kania<\/td>\n26\/01\/1950<\/td>\n06\/11\/1951<\/td>\n1 year 9 months 11 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Chief Justice of India Appointment Process<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Constitution does not specifically outline the Chief Justice of India Appointment Process (CJI), but over time, conventions and seniority have guided the selection.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Seniority Principle: <\/b>The senior-most Supreme Court judge is usually recommended for the position.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Recommendation Process: <\/b>The outgoing CJI suggests their successor based on seniority.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Executive Approval:<\/b> The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who advises the President for final approval.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Exceptions: <\/b>In 1973 and 1977, seniority was bypassed, but a 1993 ruling reinforced the convention of appointing the senior-most judge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    First Chief Justice of India\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Justice Harilal Jekisundas Kania<\/strong> became First Chief Justice of India on January 26, 1950<\/strong>, and served until his passing on November 6, 1951. As the first head of the Supreme Court, which replaced the Federal Court of India, Justice Kania played a key role in shaping the country\u2019s judicial system after independence. His tenure was crucial in establishing judicial independence and interpreting the newly adopted Constitution. The decisions made under his leadership set important legal precedents, laying the foundation for the Supreme Court\u2019s functioning in the years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Current Chief Justice of India<\/b><\/h2>\n
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    As the 53rd Chief Justice of India<\/strong>, Justice Surya Kant<\/strong> leads the functioning of the judiciary, oversees the allocation of cases, and constitutes benches for significant matters. His tenure reflects a strong focus on protecting constitutional rights, improving judicial efficiency, and strengthening transparency in the justice system. Known for his balanced and citizen-centric approach, he has contributed to key constitutional discussions and major judicial reforms. Justice Surya Kant\u2019s leadership continues to shape the Supreme Court\u2019s role in upholding justice and constitutional integrity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    Notable Judgments by Chief Justice Surya Kant:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • Article 370 Abrogation<\/strong>: He was part of the bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, supporting the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir.<\/li>\n
    • Pegasus Spyware Surveillance<\/strong>: In a high-profile case, he co-authored a judgment ordering a technical committee to investigate alleged use of Pegasus, holding that \u201cnational security\u201d cannot be a blanket shield.<\/li>\n
    • Sedition Law (Section 124A IPC)<\/strong>: He was on the bench that put the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, suspending new FIRs till a review is done, a major win for free speech.<\/li>\n
    • One Rank One Pension (OROP)<\/strong>: He upheld the OROP scheme for ex-servicemen, calling it constitutionally valid.<\/li>\n
    • Gender Justice & Local Governance<\/strong>: He reinstated a woman sarpanch who had been removed unfairly and decried gender bias, showing his commitment to grassroots democracy.<\/li>\n
    • Women in Bar Associations<\/strong>: He directed that one-third of seats in bar associations (including SC Bar) be reserved for women.<\/li>\n
    • Environmental Protection<\/strong>: In Jitendra Singh v. Ministry of Environment<\/em>, he held that village ponds are \u201cpublic utilities,\u201d and their destruction can violate the right to life (Article 21).<\/li>\n
    • Victim\u2019s Right to be Heard<\/strong>: In Jagjeet Singh v. Ashish Mishra<\/em>, he ruled that victims have the right to be heard right from the investigation stage, not just during trial.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Next Chief Justice of India<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Justice Vikram Nath<\/strong> is set to become the next Chief Justice of India after Justice Surya Kant<\/strong>, serving from 7 February 2027 to 23 September 2027<\/strong>, a tenure of nearly eight months. Elevated to the Supreme Court in August 2021, he previously served in the Allahabad High Court and has developed strong expertise in labour law, service law, and civil law<\/strong>. During his time in the Supreme Court, he has been part of 180 benches<\/strong> and has authored 40 judgments<\/strong>, reflecting his consistent contribution to the judiciary.<\/p>\n

      Succeeding Chief Justices of India (2026-2033)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      If the seniority principle continues to guide appointments, the following eight judges will successively serve as Chief Justices of India (CJI) from 2026 to 2033. Each of these judges has made significant contributions to the Indian judiciary through landmark judgments and constitutional interpretation. The list below highlights their expected tenures, judicial achievements, and key constitutional moments, including the historic appointment of the first female CJI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Succeeding Chief Justices of India (2026-2033)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      S. No.<\/strong><\/td>\nName<\/strong><\/td>\nExpected Tenure<\/strong><\/td>\nDate of Retirement<\/strong><\/td>\nSignificance<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      1<\/td>\nJustice Surya Kant<\/strong><\/td>\n1.2 years<\/td>\n9 Feb 2027<\/td>\nFrom Punjab & Haryana HC; part of Constitution Bench on Abrogation of Article 370<\/strong> and Citizenship Act validity<\/strong>; authored 291 SC judgments; upheld minority status of AMU<\/strong> (dissent).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      2<\/td>\nJustice Vikram Nath<\/strong><\/td>\n7 months<\/td>\n23 Sept 2027<\/td>\nFrom Allahabad HC; Chief Justice of Gujarat HC; sat on Bench deciding Bhopal Gas Tragedy<\/strong> compensation and SC\/ST sub-classification<\/strong>; authored 260 judgments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      3<\/td>\nJustice B.V. Nagarathna<\/strong><\/td>\n36 days<\/td>\n30 Oct 2027<\/td>\nFirst Woman Chief Justice of India<\/strong>; known for dissent in Demonetisation case<\/strong>; emphasized constitutional procedure and federal balance<\/strong>; authored 326 judgments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      4<\/td>\nJustice P.S. Narasimha<\/strong><\/td>\n6+ months<\/td>\n4 May 2028<\/td>\nThird Bar-elevated CJI<\/strong>; argued landmark cases: Ayodhya dispute, NJAC case, Euthanasia verdict<\/strong>; authored 218 judgments; dissent on arbitration clause violating Article 14<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      5<\/td>\nJustice J.B. Pardiwala<\/strong><\/td>\n2+ years<\/td>\n11 Aug 2030<\/td>\nFrom Gujarat HC; EWS Reservation<\/strong> judgment; dissent in Citizenship Act Section 6A<\/strong>; rulings on Governor assent timelines<\/strong> and stray dog relocation<\/strong>; 307 authored judgments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      6<\/td>\nJustice K.V. Viswanathan<\/strong><\/td>\n10 months<\/td>\n25 May 2031<\/td>\nFourth CJI from the Bar<\/strong>; represented Internet Freedom Foundation<\/strong> in WhatsApp privacy case; involved in marriage equality<\/strong> plea; 78 authored judgments; promoted judicial reforms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      7<\/td>\nJustice Joymalya Bagchi<\/strong><\/td>\n4 months<\/td>\n2 Oct 2031<\/td>\nFrom Calcutta HC; first judge from Calcutta to reach CJI post since 2013; part of Electoral Rolls Review<\/strong> case; 17 judgments; emphasized judicial inclusion in appointments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      8<\/td>\nJustice Vipul Pancholi<\/strong><\/td>\n1.5 years<\/td>\nMay 2033<\/td>\nFrom Gujarat HC; later Chief Justice of Patna HC; appointment debated within Collegium; will be 60th CJI<\/strong>; key judgments expected in judicial accountability and reform.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Check the complete list of Chief Justices of India from 1950 to 2026, their tenure, appointment process, and details about the current Chief Justice Surya Kant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":56349,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[1740],"class_list":{"0":"post-56303","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-list-of-chief-justice-of-india","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56303"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56303\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}