Complete List of Chief Justices of India from 1950–2025

Overview of Chief Justices of India

The term Chief Justices of India refers to the people who have served as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The CJI is the highest judge in the country and is the head of the Supreme Court of India. This position is very important because the Chief Justice helps protect the Constitution and makes sure that the laws of the country are followed correctly and fairly.

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The Chief Justice of India has several major responsibilities:

• They lead important benches of judges that handle big cases related to the Constitution and important laws.
• They decide which judge will hear which case and form benches for different types of legal matters.
• They take care of the administrative work of the Supreme Court, such as preparing the court’s schedule and managing different departments.
• They also act as the main representative of the Indian judiciary when speaking about court rules and judicial matters.

For students who are studying Static GK or preparing for competitive exams, learning about the Chief Justices of India is very helpful. Knowing the names of the CJIs, their years of service, and a few famous judgments from their time in office can improve overall General Knowledge and help in exams related to Static GK topics..

About the 50th Chief Justice of India

The 50th Chief Justice of India was Justice N. V. Ramana. He served from 24 April 2021 to 26 August 2022. He became the Chief Justice after Justice S. A. Bobde and later handed over the post to Justice U. U. Lalit.

Justice N. V. Ramana was born on 27 August 1957 in Andhra Pradesh. Before reaching the Supreme Court, he worked as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. In 2014, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. Throughout his career, he was known for being fair, disciplined, and very focused on justice.

As Chief Justice, he worked to make court cases faster and reduce delays. He encouraged the use of technology in courts, such as virtual hearings and digital case systems, so that people across the country could access justice more easily. He also supported improving the infrastructure of courts to make them more efficient and people-friendly.

Justice Ramana gave several important judgments related to constitutional rights and civil liberties. His calm nature, strong knowledge of the law, and commitment to the Constitution made him a respected figure in the Indian judiciary.

Who Was the First Chief Justice of India?

The first Chief Justice of India was Justice Harilal Jekisundas Kania. He took charge on 26 January 1950, the same day the Supreme Court of India was created. He served as Chief Justice until 6 November 1951. His work played a major role in setting up India’s judicial system in its early years.

Justice H. J. Kania was born on 3 November 1890 in Surat, Gujarat. He studied law in London and later began his career as a lawyer in Bombay (now Mumbai). Before becoming the Chief Justice of India, he served as the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of India, which later became the Supreme Court.

As the first CJI, Justice Kania helped create the basic rules and processes that the courts still follow today. He led many important cases that explained the meaning of the Constitution and helped guide how it should be used. His decisions ensured that the judiciary remained independent and worked fairly for everyone.

Justice Kania’s leadership set a strong example for all future Chief Justices and helped build the Supreme Court as the highest protector of the Constitution and the rights of Indian citizens.

Significance of the CJI Office

The office of the Chief Justice of India is very important for keeping India’s judicial system strong, fair, and independent. As the head of the Supreme Court, the CJI guides the work of the highest court and helps protect the rights of the people.

Key Significance of the Chief Justice of India

1. Guardian of the Constitution
The CJI makes sure that all laws, decisions, and government actions follow the Constitution of India. This helps protect the rights, freedom, and safety of every citizen. The office acts as a safeguard against unfair or unconstitutional actions.

2. Judicial Leadership
The Chief Justice leads the judges of the Supreme Court and gives direction to the entire judicial system. They decide how important national cases will be heard and ensure that serious legal issues are handled with care and priority.

3. Administrative Authority
Along with giving important judgments, the CJI also manages the administrative work of the Supreme Court. This includes giving cases to different judges, forming benches for special matters, and preparing the court’s work schedule.

4. Adviser to the President of India
In matters related to the appointment or transfer of judges, the President seeks the opinion of the Chief Justice. The CJI’s advice helps maintain fairness and balance in the judicial system.

5. Influence on Legal Reforms
The Chief Justice often suggests ways to improve the courts, reduce delays, and make the justice system more effective. They also support steps that help people understand the law better and access justice easily.

6. Symbol of Judicial Independence
The office of the CJI represents the independence of the judiciary. The Chief Justice ensures that courts work without pressure from politics, external forces, or any unfair influence, keeping the legal system neutral and trustworthy.

In essence, the Chief Justice of India acts as the cornerstone of the judicial structure, ensuring that justice is delivered impartially and efficiently, in alignment with the constitutional values of equality, liberty, and fairness.

Appointment Process of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India is appointed through a proper and well-followed system. This process is designed to maintain fairness, seniority, and honesty in the judiciary. It is based on the Constitution as well as long-standing traditions of the Supreme Court.

1. Constitutional Basis
Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution says that the President of India has the power to appoint the Chief Justice of India and other Supreme Court judges. However, the Constitution does not clearly describe the step-by-step method for choosing the CJI.

2. Seniority Convention
According to tradition, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court becomes the Chief Justice of India. This rule has been followed for many years to prevent favouritism. Seniority is decided based on the date a judge was appointed to the Supreme Court.

3. Consultation Process
Before the appointment, the President consults the outgoing Chief Justice. The retiring CJI recommends the name of the senior-most judge who should take over next. This helps the leadership change happen smoothly and without any confusion.

4. Official Appointment
After the consultation, the President issues an official order called a “warrant of appointment.” This document formally declares who the next Chief Justice of India will be.

5. Oath of Office
The new CJI then takes an oath in front of the President of India. During the oath, the CJI promises to protect the Constitution, follow the law, and perform all duties honestly, without fear or favour.

6. Example of Appointment
Justice Surya Kant has been selected as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He will take charge after Justice B. R. Gavai. His oath ceremony is scheduled for 24 November 2025, and he will serve until 9 February 2026.

The entire appointment process shows the commitment of the Indian judicial system to fairness, independence, and continuity. It ensures that the Supreme Court is always guided by strong and experienced leadership.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) holds one of the most important positions in the country’s judicial system. As the head of the Supreme Court, the CJI ensures that justice is delivered fairly and that the courts work smoothly across India. The CJI has several powers and responsibilities, which include judicial, administrative, and advisory roles.

1. Judicial Powers
The CJI leads constitutional benches and important cases involving the Constitution, fundamental rights, and national issues. They decide how many judges will hear a case depending on its importance, making sure the judiciary handles every matter carefully.

2. Administrative Powers
Besides hearing cases, the Chief Justice manages the administration of the Supreme Court. This includes:

• Giving cases to different judges.
• Assigning judicial and administrative work.
• Checking case schedules and ensuring judges have a fair workload.
• Supervising the staff and registry of the Supreme Court.

3. Power to Appoint Benches
The CJI decides which judges will hear which cases and how many judges will be part of a bench. This helps in managing cases efficiently and ensures that judges handle cases according to their expertise.

4. Advisory Role
The Chief Justice advises the President of India on matters like appointing judges, transferring judges, and other administrative decisions related to the judiciary. This advice helps maintain a proper balance between the judiciary and the executive.

5. Role in Judicial Appointments (Collegium System)
The CJI heads the Collegium System, which includes the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. This group recommends the appointment and transfer of judges in both the Supreme Court and High Courts across India.

6. Disciplinary and Ethical Oversight
The Chief Justice makes sure that all judges follow ethical rules, maintain discipline, and work according to the principles of fairness, independence, and impartiality.

7. Other Key Functions

• Acts as the administrative head of the entire judiciary in India.
• Supervises tribunals and ensures smooth coordination between different courts.
• Represents the judiciary in discussions with the legislature and the executive, protecting judicial independence.

In short, the Chief Justice of India balances judicial work, administrative duties, and advisory responsibilities to keep the Supreme Court efficient, fair, and independent, ensuring justice for all citizens.

Chief Justice of India: Tenure, Age Limit, and Retirement

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) follows certain rules for tenure, age limit, and retirement. These rules are set by the Constitution of India and long-standing judicial practices. They help ensure smooth changes in leadership and the proper functioning of the Supreme Court.

1. Tenure of the Chief Justice of India
There is no fixed term for the CJI. A judge serves as Chief Justice until they reach the retirement age or until a successor is appointed. Usually, the tenure lasts from about 6 months to 2 years, depending on when a judge is elevated to the position.

2. Age Limit for the Chief Justice of India
As per Article 124(2) of the Constitution, the retirement age of a Supreme Court judge, including the CJI, is 65 years. After reaching this age, the Chief Justice must retire from office.

3. Re-appointment or Extension
A Chief Justice of India cannot be re-appointed or given extra time after retirement. However, in some cases, a retired CJI may be appointed to other important positions, like the head of a commission, a member of a tribunal, or an advisor on legal matters.

4. Acting Chief Justice of India
If the office of the Chief Justice becomes vacant due to retirement, resignation, or death, the President appoints the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court as the Acting Chief Justice. This ensures that the Supreme Court continues to function smoothly until a new CJI is officially appointed.

5. Post-Retirement Roles
Even after retirement, many Chief Justices continue to serve the country by:

• Becoming chairpersons of commissions or committees.
• Joining tribunals or constitutional bodies.
• Acting as advisors on legal and constitutional matters.

This system of tenure, age limit, and retirement ensures proper leadership transitions in the Supreme Court, maintaining stability, fairness, and independence in India’s judiciary. Judicial independence and institutional stability within the Supreme Court of India.

Constitutional Provisions Related to the Chief Justice of India

The office, powers, and duties of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) are supported by several important articles in the Constitution. These rules make sure the Supreme Court works independently and upholds justice, the Constitution, and the law in India.

1. Article 124 – Establishment and Constitution of the Supreme Court
This article creates the Supreme Court of India. It states that the Court will have a Chief Justice of India and a certain number of other judges, as decided by Parliament. It also explains how judges are appointed, their qualifications, and the conditions of service.

2. Article 125 – Salaries, Allowances, and Privileges of Judges
This article sets the salaries, allowances, leave, and pensions of Supreme Court judges, including the CJI. The funds come from the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring that judges remain financially independent from the government.

3. Article 126 – Appointment of Acting Chief Justice
If the office of the Chief Justice is empty or the CJI cannot perform duties temporarily, the President can appoint another Supreme Court judge as Acting Chief Justice.

4. Article 127 – Appointment of Ad Hoc Judges
When there are not enough judges for a case or the workload is very high, the CJI can request a High Court judge to temporarily serve as a Supreme Court judge for a specific period.

5. Article 128 – Attendance of Retired Judges at Supreme Court Sittings
With the President’s approval, the CJI can ask retired Supreme Court or High Court judges to help in court proceedings if needed.

6. Article 129 – Supreme Court as a Court of Record
This article declares the Supreme Court as a Court of Record. It has the power to punish anyone for contempt of court and maintain its authority.

7. Article 130 – Seat of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court normally sits in Delhi. However, with the President’s approval, the CJI can hold sessions at other places in India if required.

These constitutional provisions provide a strong foundation for the office of the Chief Justice of India. They help maintain the independence of the judiciary and strengthen its role as the guardian of the Constitution.

Chief Justice of India vs Supreme Court Judge: Differences

Both the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Supreme Court judges work in the same court, but their roles and responsibilities are different. The CJI is the head of the Supreme Court and leads the entire judiciary, while other Supreme Court judges focus mainly on hearing cases, interpreting laws, and delivering judgments.

Here are the main differences between the Chief Justice of India and a Supreme Court judge:

Category	Chief Justice of India (CJI)	Supreme Court Judge
Position	Head of the Supreme Court and the entire Indian judiciary.	Member of the Supreme Court bench under the CJI’s leadership.
Appointment	Appointed by the President of India based on seniority and consultation with the outgoing CJI.	Appointed by the President of India after recommendation by the Collegium System headed by the CJI.
Administrative Role	Has complete administrative control over the Supreme Court, including case allocation, bench formation, and management of judicial work.	Primarily focuses on hearing and deciding cases assigned by the Chief Justice.
Judicial Powers	Presides over constitutional benches and cases of national importance.	Participates in delivering judgments and opinions as part of a bench.
Representation	Represents the judiciary in interactions with the government and public institutions.	Has no formal representative role outside the court.
Tenure	Generally shorter, as the CJI is appointed close to retirement age.	Tenure lasts until retirement at 65 years of age, unless elevated to CJI.
Salary and Privileges	Receives a slightly higher salary and additional administrative benefits.	Receives salary and benefits as per constitutional provisions for judges.
Succession	Office passes to the next senior-most judge upon retirement or resignation.	May be elevated to CJI based on seniority and merit.

In summary, while both positions serve the same constitutional purpose of upholding justice, the Chief Justice of India acts as the leader and administrator of the judiciary, whereas Supreme Court judges are key contributors to judicial decision-making and constitutional interpretation.

Removal and Impeachment of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) normally holds office until the age of 65. However, in very rare cases, the CJI can be removed from office before completing the term. This process is called impeachment and is explained in the Constitution of India under Article 124(4) and (5).

Grounds for Removal
A Chief Justice of India can be removed only for:

• Proven misbehaviour, or
• Inability to perform duties properly.

These rules make sure that the judiciary stays independent and free from unfair or political influence.

Procedure for Removal (Impeachment Process)
The impeachment process is long and ensures fairness at every step.

1. Initiation of Motion
The process starts when at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha sign a motion to remove the CJI.
The motion is then sent to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

2. Preliminary Scrutiny
The Speaker or Chairman decides whether the motion should be accepted. If accepted, a three-member committee is formed to investigate the charges.
This committee usually includes:

• A Supreme Court judge,
• A Chief Justice of a High Court, and
• A distinguished legal expert (jurist).

3. Investigation and Report
The committee studies the evidence, reviews documents, and gives the judge a chance to defend themselves.
After completing the investigation, the committee submits a report to Parliament.
If the judge is found guilty of misbehaviour or incapacity, the process moves to the next stage.

4. Parliamentary Approval
Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha must approve the motion with a special majority — at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.

5. Presidential Order
Once both Houses approve, the President of India issues an official order removing the Chief Justice of India from office.

This detailed process ensures that removing a Chief Justice happens only in serious cases and with complete fairness, protecting the independence of the judiciary.

Key Facts about the Removal Process

• The process is deliberately complex to protect the independence of the judiciary.
• No Chief Justice of India has ever been removed from office since 1950.
• A few impeachment motions have been initiated in the past, but none have led to the removal of a CJI.

This strict constitutional process ensures that the Chief Justice of India can perform duties without fear or external pressure, preserving the sanctity and independence of India’s judicial system.

Functions of the Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court of India is the highest in the country and acts as the guardian of the Constitution. It ensures justice, protects the fundamental rights of citizens, and maintains the balance between the central and state governments. The Chief Justice of India leads the Supreme Court and supervises all its judicial and administrative work.

1. Guardian of the Constitution
The Supreme Court protects the Constitution by interpreting its rules and making sure that laws or government actions do not break constitutional principles.

2. Protector of Fundamental Rights
If a citizen’s fundamental rights are violated, they can approach the Supreme Court directly under Article 32. This makes the Court a strong protector of individual freedom and justice.

3. Court of Record
Under Article 129, the Supreme Court is a Court of Record. This means its decisions are officially recorded, and it has the power to punish anyone for contempt of court.

4. Original Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court can hear disputes directly between:

• The Union Government and one or more states, or
• Two or more states.
  This is mentioned in Article 131 and helps keep harmony between the states and the central government.

5. Appellate Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court can hear appeals against judgments from:

• High Courts,
• Tribunals, and
• Other judicial bodies.
  It has the final power to review and change lower court decisions.

6. Advisory Jurisdiction
Under Article 143, the President of India can ask the Supreme Court for advice on important legal questions. While the advice is not binding, it carries high constitutional importance.

7. Judicial Review
The Court can check whether laws or government actions follow the Constitution. This power of judicial review is one of the most important features of Indian democracy.

8. Appellate Authority in Criminal and Civil Cases
The Supreme Court hears appeals in important criminal and civil cases that involve major questions of law.

9. Supervisory Role
It supervises all lower courts in India and ensures that laws are interpreted in the same way across the country.

10. Role in Election Disputes
The Supreme Court acts as the final authority in disputes related to the elections of the President and Vice-President of India.

In short, the Supreme Court is the highest guardian of justice in India. It ensures equality before the law, protects citizens’ rights, and upholds the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Complete List of Chief Justices of India

Since the establishment of the Supreme Court of India on January 26, 1950, the nation has witnessed a long line of distinguished jurists who have served as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Each of them has contributed to strengthening the Indian judiciary, upholding constitutional values, and ensuring justice for all citizens.

S.No.	Name of Chief Justice of India	Tenure	Period of Office
1	H. J. Kania	1950–1951	Jan 26, 1950 – Nov 6, 1951
2	M. Patanjali Sastri	1951–1954	Nov 7, 1951 – Jan 3, 1954
3	Mehr Chand Mahajan	1954	Jan 4, 1954 – Dec 22, 1954
4	Bijan Kumar Mukherjea	1954–1956	Dec 23, 1954 – Jan 31, 1956
5	Sudhi Ranjan Das	1956–1959	Feb 1, 1956 – Sep 30, 1959
6	Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha	1959–1964	Oct 1, 1959 – Jan 31, 1964
7	P. B. Gajendragadkar	1964–1966	Feb 1, 1964 – Mar 15, 1966
8	A. K. Sarkar	1966	Mar 16, 1966 – Jun 29, 1966
9	K. Subba Rao	1966–1967	Jun 30, 1966 – Apr 11, 1967
10	K. N. Wanchoo	1967–1968	Apr 12, 1967 – Feb 24, 1968
11	M. Hidayatullah	1968–1970	Feb 25, 1968 – Dec 16, 1970
12	J. C. Shah	1970–1971	Dec 17, 1970 – Jan 21, 1971
13	S. M. Sikri	1971–1973	Jan 22, 1971 – Apr 25, 1973
14	A. N. Ray	1973–1977	Apr 26, 1973 – Jan 28, 1977
15	M. H. Beg	1977–1978	Jan 29, 1977 – Feb 22, 1978
16	Y. V. Chandrachud	1978–1985	Feb 22, 1978 – Jul 11, 1985
17	P. N. Bhagwati	1985–1986	Jul 12, 1985 – Dec 20, 1986
18	R. S. Pathak	1986–1989	Dec 21, 1986 – Jun 18, 1989
19	E. S. Venkataramiah	1989	Jun 19, 1989 – Dec 17, 1989
20	S. Mukharji	1990	Dec 18, 1989 – Sep 25, 1990
21	Ranganath Misra	1990–1991	Sep 26, 1990 – Nov 24, 1991
22	K. N. Singh	1991	Nov 25, 1991 – Dec 12, 1991
23	M. H. Kania	1991–1992	Dec 13, 1991 – Nov 17, 1992
24	L. M. Sharma	1992–1993	Nov 18, 1992 – Feb 11, 1993
25	M. N. Venkatachaliah	1993–1994	Feb 12, 1993 – Oct 24, 1994
26	A. M. Ahmadi	1994–1997	Oct 25, 1994 – Mar 24, 1997
27	J. S. Verma	1997–1998	Mar 25, 1997 – Jan 17, 1998
28	M. M. Punchhi	1998	Jan 18, 1998 – Oct 9, 1998
29	A. S. Anand	1998–2001	Oct 10, 1998 – Nov 1, 2001
30	S. P. Bharucha	2001–2002	Nov 1, 2001 – May 6, 2002
31	B. N. Kirpal	2002	May 6, 2002 – Nov 8, 2002
32	G. B. Pattanaik	2002–2003	Nov 8, 2002 – Dec 18, 2002
33	V. N. Khare	2003–2004	Dec 19, 2002 – May 1, 2004
34	S. Rajendra Babu	2004	May 2, 2004 – Jun 1, 2004
35	R. C. Lahoti	2004–2005	Jun 1, 2004 – Oct 31, 2005
36	Y. K. Sabharwal	2005–2007	Nov 1, 2005 – Jan 13, 2007
37	K. G. Balakrishnan	2007–2010	Jan 14, 2007 – May 12, 2010
38	S. H. Kapadia	2010–2012	May 12, 2010 – Sep 28, 2012
39	Altamas Kabir	2012–2013	Sep 29, 2012 – Jul 18, 2013
40	P. Sathasivam	2013–2014	Jul 19, 2013 – Apr 26, 2014
41	R. M. Lodha	2014	Apr 27, 2014 – Sep 27, 2014
42	H. L. Dattu	2014–2015	Sep 28, 2014 – Dec 2, 2015
43	T. S. Thakur	2015–2017	Dec 3, 2015 – Jan 3, 2017
44	J. S. Khehar	2017	Jan 4, 2017 – Aug 27, 2017
45	Dipak Misra	2017–2018	Aug 28, 2017 – Oct 2, 2018
46	Ranjan Gogoi	2018–2019	Oct 3, 2018 – Nov 17, 2019
47	S. A. Bobde	2019–2021	Nov 18, 2019 – Apr 23, 2021
48	N. V. Ramana	2021–2022	Apr 24, 2021 – Aug 26, 2022
49	U. U. Lalit	2022	Aug 27, 2022 – Nov 8, 2022
50	D. Y. Chandrachud	2022–2024	Nov 9, 2022 – Nov 11, 2024
51	Sanjiv Khanna	2024–2025	Nov 12, 2024 – Nov 23, 2025
52	B. R. Gavai	2025	Nov 24, 2025 – Nov 23, 2025
53	Surya Kant	2025–2026	Nov 24, 2025 – Feb 9, 2026

This list highlights the remarkable journey of India’s judiciary and the leaders who have shaped its evolution. Each Chief Justice has contributed to building trust in the legal system, safeguarding constitutional values, and ensuring the delivery of justice to every citizen.

Chief Justices of India – Important Pointers

Here are some key facts about the Chief Justices of India (CJI). These points are useful for students preparing for Static GK, competitive exams, and general knowledge tests. They also help in understanding the history and evolution of the Indian judiciary.

1. Number of Chief Justices of India
Since the Supreme Court of India was established on 26 January 1950, there have been 53 Chief Justices of India till now.

2. First Chief Justice of India
Justice Harilal Jekisundas Kania was the first CJI. He served from 26 January 1950 to 6 November 1951 and played an important role in laying the foundation of the Indian judicial system.

3. Longest-Serving Chief Justice of India
Justice Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud served as the CJI from 22 February 1978 to 11 July 1985, making him the longest-serving Chief Justice in India’s history.

4. Shortest-Serving Chief Justice of India
Justice Kamal Narain Singh served as CJI for only 17 days, from 25 November 1991 to 12 December 1991, making him the shortest-serving Chief Justice.

5. First Woman Chief Justice of India
India has not yet had a woman CJI. However, Justice B.V. Nagarathna, who is currently serving in the Supreme Court, is expected to become the first woman Chief Justice of India in 2027.

6. First Dalit Chief Justice of India
Justice K.G. Balakrishnan became the first Dalit CJI and served from 14 January 2007 to 12 May 2010.

7. First Sikh Chief Justice of India
Justice J.S. Khehar was the first Sikh CJI, holding office from 4 January 2017 to 27 August 2017.

8. First Muslim Chief Justice of India
Justice M. Hidayatullah served as the first Muslim Chief Justice of India from 25 February 1968 to 16 December 1970.

9. Chief Justice Who Served as Acting President
Justice M. Hidayatullah also served as the Acting President of India in 1969, after the death of President Zakir Husain.

10. Current Chief Justice of India (2025)
As of 2025, Justice B.R. Gavai is the current CJI. Justice Surya Kant is appointed as the next Chief Justice and will take oath on 24 November 2025 as the 53rd Chief Justice of India.

These points are essential for candidates preparing for Static GK 2026, Static GK MCQs, and Indian Static GK topics related to the judiciary and constitutional offices.

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