Goa, Oct. 24 -- The government on Thursday initiated the process to appoint the next Chief Justice of India, as incumbent B R Gavai is set to demit office on November 23, sources said.

A letter requesting Justice Gavai to recommend his successor is expected to be delivered either on Thursday evening or Friday, according to officials familiar with the procedure for appointing Supreme Court and high court judges.

As per the memorandum of procedure, which outlines the appointment, transfer, and elevation of Supreme Court and high court judges, the next Chief Justice should be the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court deemed fit to hold the office.

At the appropriate time, the Union Law Minister will seek the outgoing Chief Justice's recom...