The government on Thursday initiated the process to appoint the next chief justice of India as incumbent B R Gavai demits office on November 23, sources told PTI.
The letter asking Justice Gavai to name his successor is set to be delivered either this evening or on Friday, people aware of the procedure to appoint Supreme Court and high court judges told PTI.
According to the memorandum of procedure, a set of documents which guide the appointment, transfer and elevation of SC and HC judges states that appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.
The Union law minister would, “at the appropriate time”, seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of his successor.
Traditionally, the recommendation letter for the next CJI is sent about a month before the incumbent retires upon reaching the age of 65.
Justice Surya Kant, currently the seniormost judge after the CJI, is next in line to assume the top position in the Indian judiciary. Once appointed, he will take charge as the CJI on November 24 and is expected to serve a tenure of nearly 15 months, until February 9, 2027.
chief justice of India, B R Gavai, appointment process, Supreme Court judges, Justice Surya Kant
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