The Exclusive List of Chief Justice of India (1950-2024)

Brief Overview of List of Chief Justice of India

The list of Chief Justice of India is a testament to the rich legal history and constitutional legacy of the country. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look at the individuals who have held the highest judicial office in India, their contributions, and the impact they have had on the Indian judiciary system. From the inception of the Supreme Court in 1950 to the present day, each Chief Justice has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of the nation. Stay tuned as we delve into the lives and tenures of these remarkable individuals.

Who is the Chief Justice of India?

The chief justice of India is considered the top position in the Indian judiciary, which has been established as per the constitution. Up to now, the Indian Supreme Court has witnessed over fifty Chief Justices of India. Explore the list of Chief Justices of India who have contributed to the country’s legal landscape.

Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud is the country’s 50th chief judge, appointed in November 2022. He was delegated an appointed authority of the Indian Supreme Court back in May 2016.

In this blog, we will investigate the chief justice of India and list the chief justices of India.

Definition and Meaning of Chief Justice of India

CJI is more than the First Judge in the Supreme Court and also the pivot of the Indian judiciary. The position comprises two different functions. One is serving as the head of the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench, while the other includes administrative leadership responsibilities such as allocating cases to particular benches as well as maintaining the court’s list of officials and judges. Decisions of the Chief Justice (CJI) can shape how we interpret our country’s Constitution and its law development process.

Article 124 of the Indian constitution provides the establishment and constitution of the apex court comprising the post of CJI. In Indian law, it is said that the President will choose the chief justice of India. It would follow convention since he automatically names a most senior Judge from the Supreme Court so that their ranks would remain constant.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Judicial Authority: Leads the bench in important constitutional and legal cases. 

2. Appointment and Supervision: Oversees judicial appointments and ensures the smooth functioning of the Supreme Court. 

3. Advisory Role: Advises the President of India on legal matters as required under the Constitution. 

4. Guardian of Fundamental Rights: Ensures protection of citizens’ fundamental rights by interpreting the Constitution. 

Significance: 

The CJI symbolizes the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, playing a critical role in upholding democracy and justice in India.

How or who can be chief justice?

A judge of the Supreme Court can appoint the CJI. The President of India is responsible for appointing the Chief Justice of India. The CJI’s tenure may not be specified in terms of years but is capped at sixty-five years of age. Also, an impeachment process to remove the CJI from his/her office has been established, requiring at least two-thirds support from both Houses of Parliament for justice to prevail.

The impact of the CJI on the Indian Legal sphere is tremendous. The CJI does this through famous judicial decisions and constitutional interpretation, thereby bringing great change in the social-legal environment of a country. One important element of this democratic tissue of India is the role of CJI in maintaining the constitutional order and providing justice.

Chief Justice of India is an onerous post that combines legal ability with a high order of administrative talents and a grasp of the Constitution. It is one of such positions in which one has to judge and shape or mould existing laws to conform to the emerging needs of a changing societal milieu.

About the 50th Chief Justice of India:

In the list of Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud comes at 50th place. Know about the 50th Chief Justice of India:

1. Reputably, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has described dissent as the “safety valve of democracy.” He also belongs to several Constitution Benches that have handed down historic rulings, including the Ayodhya land dispute judgment and the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment, which affirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right.
2. He was also a member of the Benches that rendered precedent-setting decisions on the Sabarimala case, the legality of the Aadhaar program, and the repeal of portions of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which decriminalized same-sex relationships.
3. His father, Y.V. Chandrachud, is recognized as the longest-serving Chief Justice of India (CJI), having occupied the role from February 22, 1978, to July 11, 1985. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will take over as CJI for a two-year term.
4. He was a judge on the Bombay High Court as well as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court.

Notable Contributions as Judge: 

1. Judgments: 

• Right to Privacy (2017): Part of the nine-judge bench that upheld privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. 

• Decriminalization of Section 377 (2018): Played a key role in striking down parts of the colonial-era law, decriminalizing homosexuality in India. 

• Sabarimala Verdict (2018): Allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, promoting gender equality. 

• Ayodhya Verdict (2019): Part of the bench that delivered the unanimous judgment in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. 

2. Advocate for Technology: 
Introduced e-filing and virtual hearings in courts, promoting digitization of the judiciary. 

3. Progressive Ideals: 
Justice Chandrachud is known for championing individual rights, gender equality, and social justice through his judgments. 

First Chief Justice of India: Harilal Jekisundas Kania

A Pivotal Role in a Nation’s Transformation

Harilal Jekisundas Kania holds the distinction of being the first Chief Justice of India, serving from January 28, 1950, until his untimely death on November 6, 1951. Though brief, his tenure coincided with a crucial period in India’s history – its transition into a republic.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 3, 1890, in Navsari, Gujarat, Kania came from a family with a strong academic background. His father was a Sanskrit professor, likely influencing Kania’s pursuit of education. He earned his BA from Samaldas College and later obtained his LLB and LLM from Government Law College, Bombay.

Other Notable Achievements During Education: 

• Justice Chandrachud was a recipient of several prestigious scholarships during his time at Harvard. 

• His advanced education at one of the world’s leading law schools provided him with a global perspective on constitutional law and civil liberties, which would later influence his judicial philosophy. 

Notable Fact: It is considered one of the most prestigious individual awards in football. Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Michel Platini have won multiple Ballon d’Or titles.

A Distinguished Legal Career

Kania’s legal journey began at the Bombay High Court in 1915. His dedication and exceptional service earned him a knighthood in 1943.

Shaping the Judicial Landscape

Kania’s role as the first Chief Justice was monumental. He played a central role in establishing the Supreme Court’s authority and interpreting the newly adopted Constitution of India. He presided over landmark cases that laid the foundation for the nation’s legal system. While specific judgments aren’t detailed here, his contribution to shaping the judicial landscape of independent India remains undeniable.

Leading the Judiciary Through Transformation

As the head of the Federal Court before India became a republic and subsequently as the Chief Justice, Kania was involved in crucial decisions during the nation’s legal and constitutional identity formation. The Indian judiciary owes a significant part of its foundation to Kania’s contributions.

A Lasting Legacy

Kania’s legacy extends beyond the judgments he delivered. He established judicial precedents that continue to influence the legal fabric of India. His unexpected passing was a significant loss to the judiciary and the nation.

The H.J. Kania Remembrance Library: A Testament to his Influence

The H.J. Kania Remembrance Library at the Public Authority Regulation School, Mumbai, stands as a lasting reminder of his influence on legal education and the field of regulation in India.

A Short Tenure, Lasting Impact

H.J. Kania’s tenure as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India was brief but remarkably significant. His legal expertise and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution during India’s nascent republic years left an indelible mark on the High Court and the entire Indian judiciary framework.

First Woman Chief Justice of India: Leila Seth

Leila Seth, a name synonymous with legal excellence and social justice, shattered glass ceilings throughout her remarkable career. Born on October 20, 1930, in Lucknow, British India, she overcame a challenging childhood to become the first woman Chief Justice of a state High Court in India.

From Challenging Beginnings to Legal Luminary

Leila’s early life was marked by adversity. The loss of her father at just eleven years old forced her to develop resilience. Despite financial struggles, her mother’s unwavering determination ensured Leila received a quality education at Loreto Convent, Darjeeling. This strong foundation propelled her to achieve the extraordinary—topping the London Bar exam at the age of 27, a historic first for a woman.

Perseverance Through Obstacles

Life wasn’t without its hurdles. When her family faced financial difficulties after her father’s passing, Leila displayed remarkable grit. She started her career as a stenographer in Kolkata, where she met her husband, Prem Seth. Later, after moving to London, she balanced motherhood with law studies, drawn to the flexibility it offered. Despite the challenges of a demanding academic pursuit while raising a family, Leila’s dedication to law shone through.

A Career Marked by Excellence and Advocacy

Upon returning to India, Leila embarked on a legal career in Patna. The path wasn’t easy. Navigating a male-dominated profession, she confronted gender-based discrimination head-on. Her exceptional legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice propelled her rise from a judge to the distinguished position of Chief Justice.

Landmark Contributions

• She played a pivotal role in landmark cases that shaped the legal landscape of India.

• She championed social justice through her work with the 15th Law Commission of India, contributing to the amendment of the Hindu Succession Act, and granting daughters equal rights to joint family property.

Leila Seth wasn’t just a legal powerhouse but a woman of remarkable balance. She managed a fulfilling family life alongside her illustrious career, married to Prem Seth and raising three children, including the renowned author Vikram Seth. She remained a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA rights, offering unwavering support to her son when he came out as gay.

Justice Leila Seth left an indelible mark on the Indian legal system. Her legacy extends beyond legal reforms. She paved the way for future generations of women in law, inspiring countless individuals with her life’s work. Her decisions continue to resonate within the halls of justice, a testament to her enduring influence.

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Comprehensive List of Chief Justice of India

On November 9, 2022, the current chief justice of India, Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, was named as the country’s chief justice, after a brief tenure as India’s 49th Chief Justice, Justice U.U. Lalit relinquished his position to become Justice Chandrachud, the country’s 50th Chief Justice. Here is the list of 50 Chief Justices of India.

List of Chief Justice of India from 1950 to 1970

Chief Justice of India	Tenure	Major Judgment	President
H.J. Kania	1950 – 1951	Established the Supreme Court’s authority	Rajendra Prasad
M. Patanjali Sastri	1951 – 1954	Shaped the court’s initial path	Rajendra Prasad
Mehr Chand Mahajan	1954	Advocated for judicial independence	Rajendra Prasad
Bijan Kumar Mukherjea	1954 – 1956	Ruled on property rights and freedoms	Rajendra Prasad
Sudhi Ranjan Das	1956 – 1959	Addressed civil liberties	Rajendra Prasad
Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha	1959 – 1964	Expanded scope of fundamental rights	Rajendra Prasad, S. Radhakrishnan
P.B. Gajendragadkar	1964 – 1966	Strengthened secularism principles	S. Radhakrishnan
A.K. Sarkar	1966	Focused on constitutional interpretation	S. Radhakrishnan
K. Subba Rao	1966 – 1967	Emphasized human rights protection	S. Radhakrishnan
K.N. Wanchoo	1967 – 1968	Upheld the rule of law in key cases	Zakir Husain
M. Hidayatullah	1968 – 1970	Known for judicial activism	V.V. Giri

List of Chief Justice of India from 1970 to 1990

Chief Justice of India	Tenure	Major Judgment	President
J.C. Shah	1970 – 1971	Defended civil liberties during a critical period	V.V. Giri
S.M. Sikri	1971 – 1973	Led the bench in the Kesavananda Bharati case	V.V. Giri
A.N. Ray	1973 – 1977	Controversial tenure during the Emergency	Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
M. Hameedullah Beg	1977 – 1978	Focused on personal liberty cases	Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Y.V. Chandrachud	1978 – 1985	Longest serving Chief Justice with landmark judgments	Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, Giani Zail Singh
P.N. Bhagwati	1985 – 1986	Pioneer of Public Interest Litigation (PIL)	Giani Zail Singh
R.S. Pathak	1986 – 1989	Known for integrity and judicial restraint	R. Venkataraman
E.S. Venkataramiah	1989	Advocated for environmental jurisprudence	R. Venkataraman

List of Chief Justice of India from 1990 to 2010

Chief Justice of India	Tenure	Major Judgment	President
Sabyasachi Mukharji	1989	Emphasized legal clarity	R. Venkataraman
Ranganath Misra	1990 – 1991	Oversaw cases on communal harmony	R. Venkataraman
K.N. Singh	1991	Short tenure with significant verdicts	R. Venkataraman
M.H. Kania	1991 – 1992	Focused on judicial efficiency	R. Venkataraman
L.M. Sharma	1992 – 1993	Handled cases on constitutional amendments	Shankar Dayal Sharma
M.N. Venkatachaliah	1993 – 1994	Strengthened constitutional philosophy	Shankar Dayal Sharma
A.M. Ahmadi	1994 – 1997	Known for progressive judgments	Shankar Dayal Sharma, K.R. Narayanan
J.S. Verma	1997 – 1998	Advocated for women’s rights in landmark rulings	K.R. Narayanan
M.M. Punchhi	1998	Emphasized on the balance of power	K.R. Narayanan
A.S. Anand	1998 – 2001	Promoted human rights and judicial accountability	K.R. Narayanan
S.P. Bharucha	2001 – 2002	Known for his integrity and upholding the rule of law	K.R. Narayanan, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
B.N. Kirpal	2002	Focused on environmental law and public interest	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
G.B. Pattanaik	2002	Short tenure noted for key decisions	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
V.N. Khare	2002 – 2004	Progressive judgments on social issues	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
S. Rajendra Babu	2004	Upheld constitutional values	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
R.C. Lahoti	2004 – 2005	Advocated for judicial reforms	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Y.K. Sabharwal	2005 – 2007	Known for urban development rulings	A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Pratibha Patil
K.G. Balakrishnan	2007 – 2010	First Chief Justice from the Dalit community	Pratibha Patil

List of Chief Justice of India from 2010 to Present

Chief Justice of India	Tenure	Major Judgment	President
S.H. Kapadia	2010 – 2012	Focused on economic issues and transparency	Pratibha Patil
Altamas Kabir	2012 – 2013	Known for social justice judgments	Pratibha Patil, Pranab Mukherjee
P. Sathasivam	2013 – 2014	Advocated for judicial accountability	Pranab Mukherjee
R.M. Lodha	2014	Emphasized on the independence of the judiciary	Pranab Mukherjee
H.L. Dattu	2014 – 2015	Known for his stand on human rights	Pranab Mukherjee
T.S. Thakur	2015 – 2017	Vocal on judicial vacancies and pendency	Pranab Mukherjee
J.S. Khehar	2017	First Sikh Chief Justice, known for the Triple Talaq judgment	Pranab Mukherjee
Dipak Misra	2017 – 2018	Presided over landmark judgments including the decriminalization of homosexuality	Ram Nath Kovind
Ranjan Gogoi	2018 – 2019	Led the bench in the Ayodhya land dispute case	Ram Nath Kovind
S.A. Bobde	2019 – 2021	Known for introducing AI in the Indian judiciary	Ram Nath Kovind
N.V. Ramana	2021 – 2022	Advocated for civil liberties and judicial reforms	Ram Nath Kovind
U.U. Lalit	2022 – 2022	Served on a five-judge panel that declared the practice to be “illegal”	Droupadi Murmu
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud	2022 – Present	The Sabarimala Temple case held that the act of denying ladies in menstruation from entering the temple was violative and declared the practice unconstitutional	Droupadi Murmu

Role and Responsibility Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India

Here are some crucial roles and responsibilities of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India.

Judicial and Administrative Duties

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) presides over the Supreme Court’s proceedings, deciding the composition of benches and allocating cases. They also lead the Constitutional bench for matters of constitutional significance. The CJI is responsible for the court’s roster, ensuring efficient operations. They oversee court staff, manage schedules, and are involved in appointing new judges in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Constitutional Advisor

As per Article 124, the CJI is appointed by the President of India and upholds the Constitution and laws. They also advise the President on judicial matters.

The CJI safeguards civil liberties, taking suo moto cognizance of issues affecting public welfare and fundamental rights. Article 145 empowers the CJI to establish rules for the court’s practice and procedures, including case hearings and bench formations.

National Judicial Appointments Commission Head

The CJI leads the commission responsible for the appointment and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary. The CJI represents India’s judiciary globally, promoting legal dialogue and cooperation. As the senior-most judge, the CJI mentors junior judges, guiding them through complex legal issues and maintaining the judiciary’s integrity.

Key Milestones in the History of Chief Justices of India

The position of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has been graced by many distinguished individuals, each leaving a unique imprint on the Indian judiciary. Here are some noteworthy facts about the CJIs:

• Sir Maurice Gwyer holds the distinction of serving as India’s first Chief Justice before independence.

• The first CJI post-independence was Justice Harilal Jekisundas Kania, who tragically passed away in office at the age of 61.

• The tenure of Kamal Narain Singh as the CJI was the shortest, lasting only 17 days, from November 21 to December 12, 1991.

• Justice Y. V. Chandrachud holds the record for the longest tenure as the CJI, serving for a total of 2696 days.

• Fatimah Beevi broke the glass ceiling as India’s first female judge and the first female Supreme Court judge.

• The 11th CJI, Mohammad Hidayatullah, also served as the acting president of India from 25 February 1968 to 16 December 1970.

• Sam Piroj Bharucha, the 30th CJI, was the first person from the Parsi community to hold this esteemed position.

• The Sikh community saw its first CJI with Jagdish Singh Khehar, the 44th Chief Justice of India.

Chief Justices of India’s Significant Contributions to Indian Judiciary

The Indian Chief Justices have significantly influenced the growth of the Indian judiciary in several ways, including:

1. A Brief Introduction to PILs (Public Interest Litigation)
2. Building India’s Human Rights Jurisprudence
3. Encouraging judicial responsibility and activism
4. Protecting marginalized communities’ rights and promoting social justice

Salary Structure of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) holds the highest position in the Indian judiciary, a role that comes with immense responsibility and prestige. Along with the honour of the position, the CJI also receives a salary that reflects the significance of the role.

As of the latest revision, the Chief Justice of India receives a monthly salary of Rs. 2,80,000. This makes the CJI’s salary higher than that of the Prime Minister of India, and it is the highest salary in the country after the President, Vice President, and Governor.

In addition to the basic salary, the CJI also receives a pension with Dearness Allowance (DA) of Rs. 16,80,000 each year. Furthermore, the CJI is awarded a gratuity of Rs. 20,00,000.

The salary, pension, and allowances of the CJI are governed by the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. Any proposal for revision of salaries, pensions, gratuities, allowances, etc., in respect of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts requires an amendment to the Acts.

The last revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances, pensions, etc., of the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts was approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on November 22, 2017.

Challenges Faced by the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India must overcome several obstacles to maintain the independence and integrity of the legal system. Some of the main challenges include the following:

1. Making sure justice is delivered on time
2. Reducing the court’s backlog of cases
3. Preserving the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights
4. Preserving the judiciary’s impartiality and integrity
5. Addressing the judiciary’s problems with nepotism and corruption

Conclusion

The rich history of the Indian judiciary is reflected in the distinguished list of Chief Justices of India. From H.J. Kania to the current Chief Justice, Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, each of them has upheld the Constitution and the rule of law. The Chief Justice of India is not only a judge but also a pivotal figure in shaping the nation’s judicial system, serving as an administrative leader, constitutional advisor, and guide. This comprehensive list showcases the influential roles of these Chief Justices in advancing India’s legal framework and societal progress.

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