Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India
On November 11, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, whose tenure ended on November 10, 2024. Justice Khanna’s appointment follows the recommendation of Justice Chandrachud and is officially notified by the Centre on October 24. He will serve a six-month term until May 13, 2025, bringing a legacy of landmark judgments into his new role.
Appointment and Oath: Justice Khanna was administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Term Duration: His term as Chief Justice will conclude on May 13, 2025, at the age of 64.
Successor: He replaces Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who was honored with a rousing farewell on his retirement.
Legacy of Landmark Judgments Justice Khanna has been part of several pivotal judgments, which have shaped India’s legal landscape:
Electoral Bonds Scheme: His bench was instrumental in striking down the electoral bonds scheme.
Article 370: He upheld the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir.
Electronic Voting Machines: Khanna was part of the bench that upheld the use of EVMs in elections.
Interim Bail for Arvind Kejriwal: His bench granted interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal during the Lok Sabha election campaigns related to the excise policy scam.
Background: Justice Khanna hails from a distinguished family of judges. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, was a former Delhi High Court judge, and his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, is remembered for his dissent in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case.
Legal Career: He began his career as an advocate in 1983 and gradually moved through the ranks of the Delhi High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019.
Notable Positions: Justice Khanna served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and as the standing counsel for the NCT of Delhi before his judicial elevation.
| Category | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Previous Landmark Decisions | – Scrapping of Electoral Bonds Scheme: Part of the bench that struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme. |
| – Abrogation of Article 370: Part of the bench that upheld the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. | |
| – Use of EVMs in Elections: Supported the use of electronic voting machines, ensuring credibility in electoral processes. | |
| Interim Bail Decision | Granted interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for campaigning in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections related to the excise policy scam cases. |
| Category | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Justice Sanjiv Khanna sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024. |
| Term Duration | Justice Khanna’s term as CJI will last until May 13, 2025. |
| Successor | He succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, whose term ended on November 10, 2024. |
| Oath Administered By | President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. |
| Notable Judgments | Involved in landmark cases: scrapping of electoral bonds, abrogation of Article 370, use of EVMs. |
| Family Background | Son of Justice Dev Raj Khanna (former Delhi High Court judge), nephew of Justice HR Khanna. |
| Legal Career | Practised from 1983, became Delhi High Court judge in 2005, elevated to Supreme Court in 2019. |
| Date of Birth | Justice Khanna is 64 years old (born in 1960). |
| Judicial Career | Served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, NCT of Delhi. |
| Position Held | 51st Chief Justice of India. |
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