India, Oct. 24 -- The Government on Thursday initiated the process to appoint the next Chief Justice of India as incumbent BR Gavai demits office on November 23. The letter asking Justice Gavai to name his successor is set to be delivered by Friday.

According to the memorandum of procedure, a set of documents which guide the appointment, transfer and elevation of SC and HC judges, states that appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.

The Union Law Minister would, "at the appropriate time", seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of his successor. Conventionally, the letter is sent a month bef...