Key Highlights
- Since 1950, India has had 52 individuals serving as Chief Justice of India.
- Under Article 145 and the 1966 Supreme Court Rules, the Chief Justice assigns cases and forms special benches.
- The customary seniority rule has been overridden only twice, in 1973 and 1977.
- Mandatory retirement occurs at age 65, and removal is possible only by constitutional impeachment.
- No woman has held the post of Chief Justice through 2025.
Detailed Insights
Appointment and Tenure – The President appoints the Chief Justice after consulting the incumbent Chief Justice, who usually recommends the most senior judge. Although seniority is the norm, exceptions occurred in 1973 when Justice A.N. Ray was named over three senior judges, and again in 1977 with Justice Mirza Hameedullah Beg.
Administrative Powers – Apart from presiding over cases, the Chief Justice allocates work among the bench, establishes panels for complex matters, and ensures smooth functioning of the Supreme Court.
Historical Extremes – Y.V. Chandrachud served the longest tenure (over seven years, 1978–1985), while K.N. Singh held office for a record 17 days in 1991. The current incumbent, Justice B.R. Gavai, assumed office on 14 May 2025.
Remuneration and Retirement – The Chief Justice receives a monthly salary of ₹280,000 as per Article 125. The office is vacated at 65 barring a removal by impeachment.
Key Concepts
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) – Senior judge who heads the Supreme Court and manages its administration.
- Article 145 – Constitution provision that empowers the President to appoint judges and grants the CJI authority to assign duties.
- Supreme Court Rules 1966 – Procedural guidelines governing the functioning of the Supreme Court.
- Impeachment – Constitutional mechanism to remove a Chief Justice before reaching the age limit.
- Seniority Tradition – Conventional practice of appointing the next most senior judge as CJI.