Chief Justice of India
Also called: CJI · Topic: Judiciary: Independence, Structure, Judicial Review and Activism · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 6 "Judiciary"
Meaning
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Supreme Court. The President appoints the CJI under Art. 124. By convention, the most senior Supreme Court judge becomes CJI. The CJI heads the collegium (the group of senior judges that chooses judges for appointment). The CJI is also the master of the roster, which means deciding which bench hears which case. When the office is vacant, the President can appoint an acting CJI under Art. 126.
Example
Justice Surya Kant became the 53rd CJI on 24 November 2025. Justice B.V. Nagarathna is due to become India's first woman CJI in 2027 (verify current).
Don't confuse with
- Supersession of judges: in 1973 and January 1977 the seniority convention was broken, and junior judges were made CJI over senior ones. Since 1977 the senior-most judge has been appointed.
Related concepts
- Integrated judiciary
- Supreme Court of India
- Yato Dharmastato Jayah
- Qualifications of Supreme Court judges
- Ad hoc judge
- High Court
- Common High Court
- Retired judges sitting in High Courts