Justice Sanjiv Khanna Appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India
By Meer Altaf Hussain
New Delhi, November 11, 2024 — Justice Sanjiv Khanna took the oath of office on Monday as the 51st Chief Justice of India. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Khanna succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who stepped down on November 10, 2024, after reaching the retirement age of 65.
A Brief Tenure as Chief Justice
Justice Khanna’s tenure is set to last a little over six months, concluding on May 13, 2025, when he reaches his retirement age. Despite the short duration, his leadership is expected to focus on key judicial reforms and maintaining the independence of the Indian judiciary.
Background and Career
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was born on May 14, 1960, and began his legal career by enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. Throughout his career, he has specialized in areas such as constitutional law, direct taxation, arbitration, and commercial law. Known for his expertise, he has served as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and as Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
His judicial journey began in 2005 when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court, with a subsequent promotion to Permanent Judge in 2006. On January 18, 2019, Justice Khanna was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, marking the beginning of a noteworthy tenure at the nation’s apex court.
Significant Judicial Contributions
During his tenure at the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna has been involved in a number of landmark rulings:
Abrogation of Article 370: He was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, a historic ruling impacting the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Electoral Bond Scheme: Justice Khanna also contributed to a bench that declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional, underscoring the importance of transparency in political funding to uphold democratic values.
Leadership in Legal Reforms and Services
Justice Khanna’s commitment to accessible justice extends beyond the courtroom. As a leader in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), he has been instrumental in advancing reforms aimed at ensuring that legal services are available to all segments of society. His initiatives have focused on simplifying legal processes and expanding access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities.
Looking Ahead: Expectations from His Tenure
With pressing issues on the horizon, Justice Khanna’s tenure as Chief Justice is expected to emphasize judicial reforms and address challenges faced by India’s legal system. He is anticipated to further the mission of judicial transparency and independence while strengthening public confidence in the judiciary. Although his time as Chief Justice is limited, his experience and dedication to justice are likely to have a lasting impact.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s appointment as the Chief Justice of India marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian judiciary, one that promises a continued commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law.
