India’s new Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant took charge today. With his elevation, the Supreme Court Collegium has also been reshaped. The Collegium includes the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. It plays a central role in selecting Supreme Court judges and transferring High Court judges.
The three senior-most judges also make decisions on appointing judges to High Courts. CJI Surya Kant’s tenure as the head of the judiciary will last 14 months. During this period, the composition of the Collegium will see only one change.
SC Collegium: Current Structure
After CJI Kant’s swearing-in, the Collegium now includes:
- CJI Surya Kant
- Justice Vikram Nath
- Justice JK Maheshwari
- Justice BV Nagarathna
- Justice MM Sundresh
These judges are currently the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. They will oversee major judicial appointments and transfer decisions during this phase.
SC Collegium: Upcoming Change in June 2026
The Collegium will remain unchanged for the next few months. The only expected shift will happen when Justice JK Maheshwari retires on June 28, 2026. After his retirement, Justice PS Narasimha will enter the Collegium, becoming its newest member.
Justice Narasimha is also one of the future Chief Justices of India. His entry will mark the only alteration in the Collegium during CJI Kant’s leadership.
Future CJIs Already in the Lineup
The current structure features three judges who are next in line to become CJI:
- Justice Vikram Nath
- Justice BV Nagarathna
- Justice PS Narasimha
Their expected elevation strengthens continuity and long-term stability within the top court. Justice Nagarathna is also projected to make history by becoming India’s first woman Chief Justice in the coming years.
SC Collegium After CJI Kant’s Retirement in 2027
When CJI Surya Kant retires on February 9, 2027, the next change in the Collegium will take place. Justice JB Pardiwala will enter the Collegium as he rises in seniority after Justice Kant demits office.
This will lead to a fresh five-judge lineup under the next Chief Justice. The change ensures the smooth transition that the Supreme Court follows through its seniority-based system.
Stability Signals Smooth Judicial Appointments Ahead
One notable aspect of CJI Surya Kant’s tenure is the unusually stable Collegium structure. With only one change expected in 14 months, the system may benefit from continuous decision-making. This stability could speed up judicial appointments, reduce pending vacancies, and bring more predictability to the transfer process.
Experts also see this phase as an opportunity to push for faster filling of High Court positions. Since three future CJIs are already part of the Collegium, the decisions made now may shape India’s judicial landscape for years.
