Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, on Monday paid glowing tributes to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, calling his life a testament to how persistence can overcome privilege. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Delhi Bar Council, Justice Upadhyaya said the CJI’s journey—from a village in Haryana to the apex judicial post—set a powerful example for aspiring lawyers across the country.
Addressing the gathering at the High Court premises, Justice Upadhyaya said, “Being a first-generation lawyer who commenced his journey from the corridors of the district courts at Hisar… he had no generational backing when he commenced his journey, but he had the right conviction to create his own launch pad.”
He recalled how Justice Surya Kant made a bold leap of faith in moving to Chandigarh to set up independent practice and eventually went on to become the youngest Advocate General of Haryana. “For those youngsters who are going through such difficult journeys, this is Justice Surya Kant’s story,” he remarked.
Justice Upadhyaya also praised the humility of the CJI, noting that “despite reaching the sky, he has his feet on the ground,” and said that this quality makes him stand apart and puts everyone at ease.
Bar Council of India Chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra also addressed the gathering and lauded the CJI’s commitment to gender equality in the legal profession. Highlighting a landmark initiative under his leadership, Mishra said Justice Surya Kant ensured a 30 per cent reservation for women lawyers in male-dominated state bar councils.
“The principle that democracy must rest on fair and inclusive electoral processes… Justice Surya Kant has been a strong voice for gender justice, including directions for reservation and representation for women in bar councils and bar associations elections,” Mishra added.
Justice Surya Kant assumed office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025. His judicial career includes participation in several landmark decisions, including the Presidential Reference case on governor timelines, the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370, the Bihar electoral roll revision, the Pegasus surveillance matter, and key rulings on free speech and citizenship rights.
The felicitation ceremony marked not just a celebration of elevation, but a reflection on the transformative arc of a man who rose through grit, talent, and conviction to the highest judicial post in the country.
