Chief Justice of India

Chief Justice of India (CJI)

1. Introduction to the Chief Justice of India
2. Constitutional Status and Appointment Authority
3. Chief Justice of India Overview (Table)
4. Appointment Process
5. Convention of Seniority
6. Tenure and Removal Procedure
7. Impeachment under Article 124(4)
8. Emoluments and Salary
9. Powers and Judicial Functions
10. Administrative Responsibilities
11. Role as Acting President of India
12. List of Chief Justices of India (1950–Present)

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Supreme Court of India and the highest-ranking officer of the Indian judiciary. As the guardian of constitutional interpretation and judicial administration, the CJI occupies a central role in India’s democratic framework. The office symbolizes judicial independence and authority, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over executive and legislative power.

The Constitution empowers the President of India to appoint the Chief Justice, based on a recommendation made by the outgoing CJI in consultation with senior Supreme Court judges. The Chief Justice ranks sixth in the Indian Order of Precedence and serves as the administrative and judicial leader of the Supreme Court. The incumbent and 53rd Chief Justice of India is Justice Surya Kant, appointed on 24 November 2025.

Here is the information regarding the Chief Justice of India (CJI) organized into a clear table format:

Chief Justice of India Overview

The CJI is the highest-ranking officer of the Indian federal judiciary and the chief executive of the Supreme Court of India. As the "Master of the Roster," the CJI holds the critical responsibility of allocating cases and heading the Collegium that recommends judicial appointments.

Appointment Process

The appointment of the Chief Justice follows a constitutional and consultative process designed to preserve judicial independence.

• The outgoing Chief Justice recommends a successor.
• Consultation takes place with senior Supreme Court
• The Ministry of Law and Justice processes the recommendation.
• The Prime Minister advises the President.
• The President formally appoints the Chief Justice.

By convention, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the next CJI. However, this convention has been broken twice in Indian history:

• 1973: A. N. Ray superseded three senior judges.
• 1977: M. H. Beg superseded Justice H. R. Khanna.

Tenure and Removal

The Chief Justice remains in office until the age of 65 years, unless removed earlier through constitutional impeachment.

Under Article 124(4) of the Constitution:

• Removal is possible only for proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Requires impeachment by Parliament.
• Must be supported by:
• Majority of total membership of each House, and
• Two-thirds of members present and vote.

Impeachment procedure includes:

• Notice signed by 50 Rajya Sabha or 100 Lok Sabha
• Judicial inquiry committee investigates charges.
• Report submitted to Parliament.
• Removal proceeds only if guilt is established and Parliament approves.

Emoluments and Salary

The salary and benefits of Supreme Court judges are determined by Parliament under Article 125, but cannot be altered to their disadvantage after appointment.

Key provisions:

• Governed by the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958
• Revised after the Sixth and Seventh Pay Commissions
• Current basic salary: ₹2,80,000 per month
• Financial security ensures freedom from external pressure.

Powers and Functions

The Chief Justice is both a judicial authority and an administrative head.

Judicial functions include:

• Allocation of cases to judges
• Constitution of constitutional benches
• Final authority over case roster

Administrative responsibilities include:

• Supervision of Supreme Court functioning
• Appointment of court officials
• Maintenance of judicial roster
• Management of court administration

The CJI also serves as the de facto Chancellor of:

• National Law School of India University (NLSIU)
• West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)

Role as Acting President

Under the President (Discharge of Functions) Act, 1969, the Chief Justice acts as President of India if both the offices of President and Vice President fall vacant. A notable historical instance occurred in 1969:

• President Zakir Hussain died in office.
• Vice President V. Giri acted as President. When V. V.
• Chief Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah became Acting President. After the new President took office, Mohammad Hidayatullah returned as CJI.

List of Chief Justices of India (1950–Present)

The Chief Justice of India is the highest judicial officer in the country. This list reflects the transition of leadership within the Supreme Court of India, featuring legal luminaries from various High Courts. Notable records include Y. V. Chandrachud, the longest-serving CJI, and Kamal Narain Singh, who held the shortest tenure.