By Kavita Mistry 
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Justice BR Gavai set a remarkable example at his successor’s oath ceremony, voluntarily giving up the CJI’s official car for Justice Surya Kant.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. (PTI file photo)
Justice BR Gavai, who demitted office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, set an exemplary precedent at the oath-taking ceremony of his successor, Justice Surya Kant. Soon after the ceremony concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice Gavai chose not to use the official vehicle designated for the Chief Justice.
Instead, he left in an alternative car, ensuring that the official vehicle was immediately available to Justice Surya Kant for his first journey to the Supreme Court as the newly sworn-in Chief Justice.
Justice Surya Kant sworn in as the new CJI
Justice Surya Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan during a ceremony attended by a distinguished gathering of national leaders. Among those present were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, along with several other dignitaries.
During the ceremony, Justice Surya Kant pledged to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and to perform his duties without fear, favour, affection, or ill will. His term as Chief Justice will run until 9 February 2027.
Justice Surya Kant’s judicial career spans landmark rulings in some of India’s most consequential constitutional matters. He has been part of benches that dealt with the abrogation of Article 370, the colonial-era sedition law, electoral reforms, and the Pegasus spyware controversy.
His tenure as CJI is expected to prioritise clearing long-pending Constitution Bench matters and reducing judicial pendency. Legal experts anticipate significant progress in structural reforms and digital transformation within the judiciary.
Privileges of a CJI
The office of the Chief Justice of India carries not only constitutional authority but also substantial administrative responsibilities. To support these, the CJI receives a monthly salary of Rs 2,80,000 along with extensive allowances and perks. These include a Rs 10,00,000 furnishing allowance for official residence, 24% House Rent Allowance, a monthly sumptuary allowance of Rs 45,000, official accommodation within the Supreme Court complex, chauffeur-driven transport, medical facilities, and travel allowances.
Post-retirement benefits include a pension of around Rs 16,80,000 per annum, dearness relief, and a gratuity of approximately Rs 20,00,000.
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More
Delhi, India, India
November 24, 2025, 13:10 IST
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