Sources said CJI Gogoi wrote a letter to the Ministry of Law and Justice recommending second senior-most judge Justice Bobde to be the next chief justice.

As per Memorandum of Procedure, which governs the appointment of members of the higher judiciary, appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.

The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution.

The Union Minister of Law and Justice would at an appropriate time seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of the next CJI.

After receipt of the CJI's recommendation, the Union Minister of Law and Justice will put up the recommendation to the Prime Minister who will advise the President in the matter of appointment.

Justice Gogoi served as the CJI for a tenure of 13 months and 15 days while Justice Bobde, who will be sworn in as Chief Justice on November 18, will have a tenure of about 18 months.

Justice Gogoi was the the 46th Chief Justice of India, who took the charge on October 3, 2018 and will demit office on November 17.