List of Chief Justices of India (1950–2025)

Chief Justice of Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the judiciary system and the Supreme Court of India. Since India’s independence in 1947 and the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, there have been several notable CJIs who shaped the country’s legal framework. This article provides a complete list of all Chief Justices of India from H. J. Kania in 1950 to D. Y. Chandrachud, the current Chief Justice in 2025.

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Indian judiciary and the chief judge of the Supreme Court of India. Since the establishment of the Supreme Court on January 26, 1950, 51 Chief Justices have served in the office. Below is a comprehensive list of all Chief Justices of India from 1950 to the present, along with their tenures, based on available information.

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Complete List of Chief Justices of India (1950–2025)

Below is the chronological list of all CJIs of India along with their term start and end dates.

Key Notes

• Longest-Serving CJI: Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud (February 22, 1978 – July 11, 1985, over 7 years).
• Shortest-Serving CJI: Kamal Narain Singh (November 25, 1991 – December 12, 1991, 17 days).
• First CJI: Harilal Jekisundas Kania (January 26, 1950 – November 6, 1951).
• First Muslim CJI: Mohammad Hidayatullah (1968–1970).
• First Dalit CJI: Konakuppakatil Gopinathan Balakrishnan (2007–2010).
• First Sikh CJI: Jagdish Singh Khehar (2017).
• Current CJI: B. R. Gavai, appointed on May 14, 2025.

Chief Justice of India list PDF

Here’s a PDF list of all Chief Justices of India (CJIs) from 1950 to 2025:

India’s First Chief Justice

India’s first Chief Justice was Sir Harilal Jekisundas Kania. He assumed office on January 26, 1950, the very day the Constitution of India came into effect.

Who is the Current Chief Justice of India?

In 2025, the Chief Justice of India is Justice B. R. Gavai. His tenure began on May 14, 2025, and he is the 52nd CJI of the Supreme Court.

How is the Chief Justice of India Appointed?

• The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.

• As per tradition, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed to this position.

• The Chief Justice serves until the age of 65.

Current Chief Justice of India (2025)

As of 2025, Justice B. R. Gavai serves as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, having taken office on 14 May 2025.

You Can also Read:

Official Websites:

By clicking the following link, you can visit the official website of the respective organization.

• NCERT
• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
• Railway Requirement Board (RRB
• Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)
• Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC)
• Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
• Public Service Commission, West Bengal (WBPSC)
• West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB)
• Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)

FAQs: Chief Justices of India

Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to the Chief Justices of India.

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