New Delhi, November 11, 2024 : Justice Sanjiv Khanna was officially sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, taking over from Justice DY Chandrachud, who concluded his tenure last Friday. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremony that marked the transition in India’s top judiciary post. Justice Khanna’s appointment was notified by the Centre on October 24, following Justice Chandrachud’s recommendation earlier on October 16.
Justice Khanna, 64, brings a legacy of landmark judgments and legal acumen to his new role. Known for his progressive rulings, he has contributed significantly to shaping India’s legal landscape. His tenure as CJI, though brief, will conclude on May 13, 2025, due to the age limit for Supreme Court judges.
Noteworthy Judicial Contributions
Throughout his career, Justice Khanna has been involved in several landmark decisions. His judgments include significant cases such as the abolition of the electoral bonds scheme and the affirmation of the abrogation of Article 370. He also supported the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, strengthening India’s electoral processes.
Justice Khanna has presided over many prominent cases. In a notable decision, his bench granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the Lok Sabha elections, enabling him to campaign despite ongoing legal proceedings.
A Distinguished Background
Justice Sanjiv Khanna belongs to a family with a rich judicial legacy. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served as a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, was a renowned former Supreme Court judge known for his principled stand in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency.
Justice Khanna’s legal journey began in 1983 when he enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, initially practicing in the Tis Hazari District Courts before moving to the Delhi High Court. He served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and later as standing counsel for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. His judicial career advanced in 2005 with his appointment as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court, becoming a permanent judge in 2006. On January 18, 2019, he ascended to the Supreme Court, where he contributed to numerous influential rulings before assuming his role as Chief Justice of India.
