The Indus Zone Media Desk | November 24, 2025 | Justice Surya Kant Takes Charge of Supreme Court Collegium
A day after being sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Surya Kant has formally assumed leadership of the Supreme Court Collegium, the body responsible for appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary. The change follows the retirement of former CJI Justice B.R. Gavai on November 23.
The reconstitution of both the five-judge Collegium and the three-judge Collegium took effect immediately—an important procedural milestone in the functioning of the judiciary.
⭐ New Supreme Court Collegium Led by CJI Surya Kant
The newly formed five-member Supreme Court Collegium, which recommends appointments to the Supreme Court and oversees transfers between High Courts, now includes:
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant (Head)
Justice Vikram Nath
Justice B.V. Nagarathna
Justice J.K. Maheshwari
Justice M.M. Sundresh
This panel will play a key role in shaping the composition of the apex court during Justice Kant’s tenure of approximately 15 months.
⭐ Three-Judge Collegium for High Court Appointments
The three-member Collegium, designated to shortlist and recommend names for High Court judgeships, will now be headed by CJI Kant and include:
Justice Vikram Nath
Justice B.V. Nagarathna
This body will oversee fresh appointments as well as elevations within the High Courts.
⭐ Upcoming Changes in the Collegium Line-up
Although CJI Kant’s tenure spans over a year, the Collegium will witness only one major change during this period:
Justice J.K. Maheshwari is scheduled to retire on June 28, 2026.
Upon his retirement, Justice P.S. Narasimha will join the five-judge Collegium.
After CJI Kant demits office, Justice J.B. Pardiwala will enter the Collegium as per seniority norms.
These transitions will determine future judicial appointments across the country, keeping the Collegium system central to India’s higher judiciary framework.
⭐ What Is the Collegium System?
The Collegium system is the mechanism through which judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed and transferred. It is led by the Chief Justice of India and operates based on seniority, judicial experience, and internal consultations.
