Justice Sanjiv Khanna Appointed as 51st Chief Justice of India

In a major judiciary update, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), with his oath-taking ceremony set for November 11, 2024. His appointment follows CJI DY Chandrachud’s recommendation and was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Khanna will serve as CJI until his retirement on May 13, 2025, holding a tenure of approximately 183 days.

Key Highlights of Justice Khanna’s Career

Legal Beginnings: Justice Khanna began his legal practice in 1983, focusing on taxation, constitutional, and commercial law. He held key roles such as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and Standing Counsel (Civil) for Delhi.

Judicial Advancements: Appointed as Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005 and a permanent judge in 2006, he advanced to the Supreme Court in January 2019. Notably, he is the nephew of former SC judge Hans Raj Khanna, known for his ADM Jabalpur dissent.

Notable Contributions to Judiciary

Landmark Judgments: Justice Khanna was part of benches upholding Article 370’s abrogation, invalidating the Electoral Bonds scheme, and allowing divorce decrees for irretrievable marriage breakdowns under Article 142. He has also ruled on contentious cases involving political appointments and educational dress code policies.

Judicial Philosophy: Known for advocating judicial restraint, Justice Khanna describes a judge’s role as a “keeper of law,” prioritizing law over personal philosophy. His approach underlines addressing the judiciary’s systemic challenges, including case delays and litigation costs.