NEW DELHI: The Union government has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, seeking his recommendation for the appointment of his successor.
The process marks the formal initiation of the appointment procedure for the next CJI, a step that is conventionally taken about a month before the incumbent demits office.
This is in line with the established convention that the outgoing CJI names the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the highest judicial office of the country.
As per seniority, Justice Surya Kant is next in line to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India and is expected to assume office following Justice Gavai's retirement.