Justice Surya Kant takes Oath as 53rd Chief Justice of India.

Background

Justice Surya Kant’s story begins in 1962, in the village of Petwar, Hisar district, Haryana. Born to a simple, middle-class family, his father, Madan Gopal Sharma, was a Sanskrit teacher, and his mother, Shashi Devi, a devoted homemaker.

His family was no stranger to struggle: no privilege, no legal legacy. Surya Kant’s brother remains a schoolteacher, keeping the family’s humble roots alive. Growing up in a village school with no benches, young Surya’s determination shone through.

Dreaming big, he graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, and earned his law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1984. Through sheer grit, he became the first lawyer in his family.

Punjab & Haryana High Court

At 38, he became Haryana’s youngest Advocate General. By 42, a judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court. After years of hard work, he rose to become Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, then a Supreme Court judge.

Despite reaching India’s highest court, he never forgot his roots. Justice Kant personally contributed from his own pocket to rejuvenate the village pond. His family runs an NGO, and every year he visits Petwar to honour the top three matriculation scorers of the boys’ and girls’ schools- an annual celebration of education and hope.

“Justice must protect those who struggle and suffer.”

From the son of a schoolteacher to India’s 53rd Chief Justice (the first from Haryana), Justice Surya Kant’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, justice, and giving back.