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Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a prominent figure in the Indian legal system, has been sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 11, 2023. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of his tenure, which will extend until May 13, 2025. Justice Khanna succeeds Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday, November 10th, 2023, after a distinguished career in the judiciary.
Justice Khanna's appointment was officially notified by the Centre on October 24th, 2023, following the recommendation of Chief Justice Chandrachud on October 16th. He has been a Supreme Court judge since January 2019 and has been a key figure in several landmark judgments, including the scrapping of the electoral bonds scheme, upholding the abrogation of Article 370, and affirming the validity of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Justice Khanna's family has a rich history in the Indian legal system. He is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of renowned former Supreme Court judge Justice H R Khanna. Justice H R Khanna is known for his dissenting verdict in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency. This dissent, which declared the abrogation of fundamental rights unconstitutional, was a pivotal moment in the defense of Indian democracy.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna's career has been characterized by his dedication to improving the judicial system. He has a strong commitment to reducing case pendency and expediting justice delivery. His experience in various roles, including as the executive chairman of the National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), has given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing the Indian legal system.
The appointment of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as CJI comes at a time when the Indian judiciary faces numerous challenges, including a backlog of cases, growing public scrutiny, and concerns about judicial independence. As the head of the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna will have a significant role to play in addressing these challenges and ensuring the effective functioning of the Indian justice system.
Source: Justice Sanjiv Khanna to be sworn in as 51st CJI on November 11