Chief Justice Surya Kant Pledges to Prioritize Justice for India's Poorest Litigants

India's newly appointed Chief Justice Surya Kant made a powerful declaration on Friday, stating that ensuring justice for economically disadvantaged litigants remains his highest priority during his tenure.

"I am here for the smallest... poorest litigant in the last row. If needed, I will sit here till midnight for them," Chief Justice Kant emphatically stated while presiding alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

The profound statement came during the dismissal of a petition filed by Tilak Singh Dangi against the central government and other parties. Expressing his judicial philosophy clearly, the Chief Justice remarked, "No luxury litigation in my court," referring to cases typically pursued by wealthy litigants who can afford lengthy legal battles.

Justice Kant, who hails from a middle-class background in Haryana's Hisar district, was sworn in as India's 53rd Chief Justice on November 24. His appointment marks the beginning of what will be approximately a 15-month tenure leading India's judiciary.

The Chief Justice is scheduled to complete his service on February 9, 2027, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.

His commitment to prioritizing access to justice for India's most vulnerable citizens signals potential reforms in how the Supreme Court approaches cases involving underprivileged litigants.