Chief Justice of India BR Gavai’s recommendation of Justice Surya Kant as his successor has sparked intense controversy, with allegations of favoritism and political influence clouding the process. Set to assume the role of the 53rd CJI on November 23, 2025, pending Law Ministry approval, Kant’s potential 14-month tenure as the first Haryana-born CJI has divided the legal community. Critics question the transparency of the senior-most judge convention, citing Kant’s rapid rise from a village in Hisar to the Supreme Court. His role in the 2023 Article 370 verdict has fueled debates over judicial independence, with some alleging his rulings favor government interests. As the Law Ministry deliberates, Justice Surya Kant’s nomination raises critical questions about bias and trust in India’s judiciary.