Next Chief Justices of India: Supreme Court Leadership Beyond Current CJI B.R. Gavai
Justice B.R. Gavai is serving as the 52nd Chief Justice of India since May 14, 2025, with his tenure scheduled to end on November 23, 2025. Notably, he is the second Scheduled Caste CJI and first Buddhist to assume the position. His leadership has been influential, but recent controversy around his remarks on a religious matter has drawn significant public and legal attention.
Controversy Over CJI Gavai’s Remarks on Lord Vishnu
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai faced sharp criticism for comments made during a Supreme Court hearing rejecting a plea to restore a damaged Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. When petitioners sought restoration of the idol, CJI Gavai directed the petitioner to “pray to Lord Vishnu” for intervention. These remarks were perceived as insensitive by many Hindu devotees and legal experts.
Several advocates have formally requested that the Chief Justice retract his statements, underscoring the hurt caused to religious sentiments and the constitutional right to worship. The controversy has sparked calls for the CJI’s impeachment and demands to expunge the remarks from court records. The public interest surrounding this incident has heightened attention on CJI Gavai’s remaining two months’ tenure and the profiles of upcoming Chief Justices expected to lead the Supreme Court through 2031.
Justice Surya Kant (November 24, 2025 – February 9, 2027)
Justice Surya Kant is next in line to be Chief Justice, serving around 1.2 years. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, he is known for judgements in criminal, family, and election law. He authored the landmark decision clarifying that life imprisonment is not restricted to a 20-year term.
Justice Vikram Nath (February 7, 2027 – September 23, 2027)
Justice Vikram Nath’s tenure will last nearly eight months. His expertise lies in labour, service, and civil law. He has been active in constitution benches addressing critical civil rights issues.
Justice B.V. Nagarathna (September 24, 2027 – October 29, 2027)
Justice Nagarathna is set to become the first woman Chief Justice of India, with a short tenure of 36 days. She is noted for her progressive stance on accountability and reservation laws.
Justice P.S. Narasimha (October 30, 2027 – May 3, 2028)
Directly elevated from the Bar, Justice Narasimha will serve just over six months. His judicial work includes significant rulings on governance and marriage equality.
Justice J.B. Pardiwala (May 3, 2028 – August 11, 2030)
Justice Pardiwala will serve over two years, the longest of the next CJIs. He has shaped rulings on welfare schemes and constitutional interpretation.
Justice K.V. Viswanathan (August 2030 – May 25, 2031)
Justice Viswanathan’s tenure will be close to ten months. He is recognised for his work on privacy, equality, and constitutional appointments.
Conclusion
The Indian judiciary is poised for significant leadership transitions in the coming years. While the controversy surrounding CJI Gavai highlights the judiciary’s high public scrutiny, the future Chief Justices are expected to uphold justice with integrity and commitment. Their leadership will be central to navigating India’s diverse and evolving legal landscape.
