Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) today, November 11, 2024. The oath-taking ceremony, officiated by President Droupadi Murmu, will take place at 10 AM at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Khanna succeeds Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, who retired on November 10 after a notable tenure focused on judicial reforms and advancements.
Justice Khanna’s Background
Career Highlights: Justice Khanna’s distinguished career spans over four decades. Beginning his legal practice in Delhi’s Tis Hazari district courts, he rose to prominence in the Delhi High Court before being appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2019, bypassing the usual role of high court chief justice.
Significant Judgments: Justice Khanna has been involved in numerous landmark cases, such as:
- Scrapping the Electoral Bonds scheme, underscoring the need for transparency in political funding.
- Upholding the abrogation of Article 370, affecting Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
- Supporting the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections, reinforcing electoral integrity.
Family Legacy: Coming from a prominent legal family, Justice Khanna is the son of Justice Dev Raj Khanna, who served on the Delhi High Court, and the nephew of Justice H.R. Khanna, known for his historic dissent during India’s Emergency period.
Challenges and Expectations Ahead
Justice Khanna’s tenure, set to last until May 13, 2025, is expected to focus on:
- Tackling the backlog of cases plaguing the judiciary.
- Implementing judicial reforms to improve access to justice, especially for marginalized communities.
- Advancing modernization efforts within the judiciary, building on initiatives begun by his predecessor.
As Justice Khanna steps into this significant role, his appointment reflects a commitment to upholding justice, integrity, and the rule of law in India’s judicial system.