Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday. President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath to him at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and former CJI DY Chandrachud were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna took over as CJI after former CJI DY.
DY Chandrachud retired from the Supreme Court on Sunday, November 10. In his farewell speech on his last working day on Friday, November 8, he expressed confidence in the future leadership of Justice Khanna. The former justice described his successor as ‘dignified, steady and deeply committed to the cause of justice’.
Tenure will be till May 1, 2025
Former CJI DY Chandrachud recommended the name of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor on October 17. After this, the Center officially notified the appointment of Justice Khanna on October 24. CJI Sanjiv Khanna will serve a tenure of a little more than 6 months and will retire on May 1, 2025.
Family associated with the legal profession
Justice Khanna, who belongs to a prominent family in Delhi, is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and nephew of former Supreme Court judge HR Khanna. Judge Sanjiv Khanna was promoted as a Supreme Court judge on 18 January 2019. He has been emphasizing reducing pending cases and speeding up the delivery of justice.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna: A Distinguished Legal Journey
Early Life and Legacy
Justice Sanjiv Khanna comes from a renowned family in Delhi, with his father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, having served as a judge in the Delhi High Court. His uncle, Justice HR Khanna, is a significant figure in Indian legal history, known for his dissenting opinion during the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case, which led to his resignation from the Supreme Court.
Entry into Law
In 1983, Justice Khanna began his legal career by enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi. He started practising at the district courts in Tis Hazari, before moving on to the Delhi High Court and various tribunals, building a strong foundation for his career.
Service as Senior Counsel
Justice Khanna had a long tenure as the senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department. In 2004, he was appointed as the standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, further establishing his reputation in legal circles.
Rise to the Bench
Justice Khanna’s vast experience and legal acumen eventually led to his appointment to the bench, culminating in his recent elevation as the 51st Chief Justice of India.