India, Oct. 27 -- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai on Monday set in motion the process to appoint his successor by recommending Justice Surya Kant, the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court, to the Union government.

Justice Kant, who is next in line for the role based on seniority, will be eligible to assume office upon Justice Gavai's retirement on November 23. Once notified by the government, he will become the 53rd Chief Justice of India and is expected to serve until his retirement on February 9, 2027 - a tenure of about 14 months.

According to people aware of the matter, CJI Gavai will shortly hand over a copy of his recommendation letter to Justice Kant. The recommendation follows the Union government's October 23 comm...