Justice Surya Kant, presently a distinguished Judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, has carved a remarkable judicial legacy built upon constitutional morality, human dignity, and fearless interpretation of the law. Hailing from a humble background in Haryana, his rise through the ranks from Advocate General of Haryana to the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh and ultimately to the Apex Court is a testament to sheer legal brilliance, integrity, and unwavering dedication to justice.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Born on February 10, 1962, Justice Surya Kant completed his degree in Law from Maharishi Dayanand University and began practicing at the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court. His dynamic presence in constitutional and service matters earned him acclaim, leading to his appointment as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000.
ELEVATION TO THE BENCH
He was elevated as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004 and later appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018. In May 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he continues to render visionary judgments that redefine Indian jurisprudence.
LANDMARK JUDGMENTS
- Ashwani Kumar v. Union of India1
Justice Surya Kant, while concurring, emphasized the need for basic facilities for senior citizens and the constitutional duty of the State under Article 41 of the Constitution of India to ensure dignity in old age.
- Union of India v. V. Sriharan2
In this constitution bench ruling on remission powers, Justice Surya Kant’s observations underscored federalism and the victim’s rights vis-à-vis premature release, reiterating the balance between reformation and justice.
- Amar Singh v. State (NCT of Delhi)3
In this important decision, Justice Surya Kant held that mere recovery of a weapon from open land cannot itself link the accused to a crime unless properly corroborated. He stressed due diligence and careful appreciation of circumstantial evidence.
- Ankush Maruti Shinde v. State of Maharashtra4
In this wrongful conviction case, Justice Surya Kant directed compensation for victims of miscarriage of justice and ordered release of the innocent. He relied heavily on Article 21 and international human rights principles.
- Manohar Lal Sharma v. Union of India5
Justice Kant, part of the bench, upheld institutional integrity while maintaining the court’s limitations in defense procurement policy matters, but reiterated judicial review’s outer contours must not be diluted by technical immunity claims.
COMMITMENT TO LEGAL EDUCATION
Justice Surya Kant has often reiterated that courts are not ivory towers. He believes in transforming the judiciary into a proactive and inclusive institution. He has delivered lectures at law schools, bar associations, and seminars with a focus on access to justice, judicial ethics, and the role of youth in nation-building.
A JUDGE FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE
Justice Kant has earned the reputation of being a “People’s Judge,” especially because of his outreach in ensuring justice for underrepresented groups-be it acid attack survivors, bonded labourers, Dalits, women, or the urban poor.
His intervention in Re: Exploitation of Children in Orphanages in Tamil Nadu6 led to directions for proper audits of child homes and appointment of counselors-proving his child-rights sensitivity.
FORESIGHT IN ELECTORAL REFORMS
Justice Surya Kant has supported the need for transparency in the electoral process. He has, in multiple hearings, sought Centre’s response on criminalisation in politics and emphasised fast-tracking of pending cases against MPs and MLAs, aligning with judgments like Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India7.
VISION FOR INDIA’S JUDICIARY
Justice Kant strongly supports judicial accountability and digital transparency. His stress on e-filing, virtual hearings, and court modernization has helped make the judiciary more accessible during and post the pandemic.