Justice Surya Kant is a prominent Indian judge known for his distinguished judicial career, having served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India and former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Born on 10 February 1962, he is widely respected for his integrity, progressive judgments, and significant contributions to constitutional and criminal law. This biography covers his age, education, career journey, family life, key achievements, and net worth.

Quick Profile Summary (Table Format)

Key Detail	Information
Full Name	Justice Surya Kant
Date of Birth	10 February 1962
Age	62 years (as of 2024)
Birthplace	Petwar, Hisar district, Haryana, India
Nationality	Indian
Profession	Judge (Justice of the Supreme Court of India)
Education	LL.B., Maharshi Dayanand University
Previous Positions	Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court; Advocate General of Haryana
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	(Not publicly disclosed)
Children	Yes (names not publicly disclosed)
Net Worth	Estimated public-service-based income

Introduction

Justice Surya Kant stands among India’s most respected judicial figures, known for his clarity in legal reasoning, impartial decision-making, and long-standing commitment to justice. Over the decades, he has shaped important areas of Indian law including constitutional interpretation, human rights, and administrative law. His journey—beginning as a young lawyer from Haryana and rising to the Supreme Court of India—is an inspiring story of perseverance, ethics, and professional excellence.

Early Life

Justice Surya Kant was born on 10 February 1962 in Petwar, a village located in the Hisar district of Haryana. Growing up in a rural environment, he developed strong values of hard work, discipline, and empathy for the common citizen—qualities that later became visible in his judicial approach.

He completed his early schooling in Hisar, where he showed notable academic discipline. His interest in law began at a young age, influenced by social issues around him and the desire to contribute meaningfully to society through a career in justice.

Education

Justice Surya Kant pursued his higher education at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak, one of Haryana’s most reputable institutions.

• He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with strong academic performance.
• He later completed his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), graduating with honors from the same university.

During his law studies, he was deeply involved in debates, legal writing, and academic activities, earning recognition for his analytical thinking and persuasive communication—skills that later defined his legal career.

Legal Career Before Judgeship

Justice Surya Kant began practicing law in 1984, marking the start of a remarkable professional journey. He quickly developed a reputation as a sharp, ethical, and hardworking lawyer.

Key Milestones in His Legal Practice

• Practiced primarily in the Punjab & Haryana High Court, handling civil, criminal, constitutional, and service matters.
• Appointed Advocate General of Haryana in 2000, becoming the youngest Advocate General in the state’s history at just 38.
• Served as Senior Advocate at the High Court, recognized for his deep legal insight.
• Represented various government bodies, institutions, and public offices.

His robust practice and strong legal grounding earned him respect from both the bench and the bar. His appointment as a judge soon followed due to his contributions and consistent excellence.

Judicial Career

1. Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court (2004)

Justice Surya Kant was appointed as a Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court on 9 January 2004.

During his tenure, he delivered numerous landmark judgments, including rulings on:

• Human rights protection
• Government accountability
• Education rights
• Service and employment law
• Criminal justice matters

His judgments often emphasized fairness, transparency, and the protection of constitutional values.

2. Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018–2019)

In 2018, Justice Surya Kant was elevated to serve as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

As Chief Justice, he focused on:

• Strengthening judicial infrastructure
• Improving case disposal rates
• Promoting technological reforms
• Enhancing access to justice for rural citizens

His leadership was praised for administrative efficiency and judicial discipline.

3. Judge, Supreme Court of India (2019–2024)

On 24 May 2019, Justice Surya Kant was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, marking one of the highest milestones in his judicial career.

In the Supreme Court, he dealt with important cases involving:

• Constitutional law
• Landmark criminal matters
• Environmental issues
• Policy interpretation
• Civil liberties

His judgments are widely respected for being:

• detailed
• legally sound
• progressive
• balanced

Through his time at the apex court, he contributed significantly to evolving Indian jurisprudence.

Notable Judgments & Contributions

Justice Surya Kant is known for his principled opinions and landmark decisions.

Some Notable Legal Contributions Include:

• Emphasis on human dignity and fundamental rights
• Advocacy for justice for marginalized communities
• Support for environmental protection
• Reforms in administrative functioning of courts
• Strong interpretation of constitutional values

Though many of his judgments are technical, they reflect compassion, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

Personal Life

Justice Surya Kant is known to be a private and disciplined individual, maintaining a low public profile. He is married, and the couple has children, although their identities are kept away from public attention for privacy and security reasons.

He is often described by colleagues as:

• humble
• approachable
• deeply ethical
• committed to public service

Outside the courtroom, he is known to enjoy reading, academic writing, and engaging with legal literature.

Awards & Recognition

Over his career, Justice Surya Kant has received multiple honors and formal recognition, including:

• Appreciation for his role as Advocate General of Haryana
• Respect and acknowledgment from various Bar Associations
• Recognition for improving judicial functioning during his tenure as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh
• Public praise for several landmark and socially impactful judgments

Net Worth

As a career judge and public servant, Justice Surya Kant’s net worth mainly comes from salaries and official allowances provided by the Government of India.

Estimated Net Worth

• Approx. ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore (public-service range)
  (Judges in India do not hold private business interests due to ethical restrictions.)

He is also entitled to post-retirement benefits and privileges as a former Supreme Court Judge.

Legacy

Justice Surya Kant’s legacy is defined by:

• His rise from a rural background to the Supreme Court
• A judicial career grounded in fairness and constitutional morality
• Landmark rulings that influenced Indian law
• His reputation for impartiality and legal integrity

He is widely regarded as one of the most principled judges of his generation.

Conclusion

Justice Surya Kant’s life story is a powerful example of dedication, integrity, and commitment to justice. From a village in Haryana to the Supreme Court of India, his journey demonstrates the heights that can be achieved through discipline, education, and a passion for service.

His biography continues to inspire young lawyers, law students, and those who aim to contribute to society through the legal profession.