This marks the first time in Haryana’s history that a jurist from the state is set to become the Chief Justice of India. While Haryana has long been recognized for its excellence in sports, it has also made remarkable contributions to the realms of knowledge, law, and science. In the pre-independence era, one of Haryana’s most illustrious sons, Sir Chhotu Ram, stood as a beacon of progress. A visionary leader, he uplifted the lives of farmers and common citizens through the power of education and reform. During British rule, when the undivided Punjab Province (which included present-day Indian and Pakistani Punjab) existed, Sir Chhotu Ram served as a minister and introduced transformative policies in areas such as education and agriculture.
Continuing this legacy of brilliance, Justice Suryakant nominated by the current Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, to be the next Chief Justice also hails from Haryana. Coming from a modest background, he is notably the first in his family to pursue a career in law. His journey to the nation’s highest judicial office stands as a testament to perseverance, merit, and intellect rather than privilege or family connections. Historically, most Chief Justices of India have come from influential or well-established families, making Justice Suryakant’s rise particularly inspiring and unprecedented.
Justice Suryakant is currently the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, so by tradition, he was to be appointed the next Chief Justice. The government seeks his recommendation for the next Chief Justice before a Chief Justice retires. This tradition is also well-established in the Indian judicial system. Justice Suryakant studied not at a prestigious university but at the Government Postgraduate College in Hisar, Haryana. He earned his master’s degree from this college in 1981 and a three-year bachelor’s degree in law from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984. He then began practicing law in the Hisar District Court. In 1985, he moved to Chandigarh and began practicing law at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. While practicing there, he specialized in constitutional and civil matters. Consequently, he was appointed Senior Advocate of the High Court in 2001. He was also appointed Advocate General of Haryana that same year, serving in that capacity until 2004, when he was appointed a High Court Judge. Mr. Suryakant became a High Court Justice in 2004. In recognition of his service, he was appointed a Member of the Administrative Division of the National Legal Services Authority in 2007, a position he held until 2011. Subsequently, in 2018, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, but it was not until 2019 that he was nominated to the Supreme Court.
Currently, he serves as a judge of the Supreme Court and is also the Chairman of its Legal Services Committee. Thus, Mr. Suryakant’s entire life is filled with simplicity and gentleness. He also symbolizes the intellectual and educational struggle of the ordinary Indian, demonstrating how a common lawyer can succeed in reaching the highest legal position in the country through his dedication and commitment. Even a young man born in an ordinary family and educated in an ordinary school can reach the highest positions in the country, provided he possesses the ability. This also proves that India’s democracy is not limited to politics; it is multifaceted and impacts every sphere of life. Only in a democracy is it possible for a person from an ordinary family to become the Chief Justice of the country. This is no small feat, as the Chief Justice administers the oath of office to the President of the country. Therefore, democracy in India speaks in every street and neighborhood and plays a vital role in every aspect of life. As for Haryana, it can be proud not only of its athletes and wrestlers, but also of the academics, scientists, and lawyers born on its soil. Mr. Suryakant is a gem of Haryana’s soil, one that future generations will be proud of. His life will also inspire the youth of today. He will assume the position of Chief Justice on November 23rd.
