Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office.
BJP Mumbai Vice President Hitesh Jain described the appointment as a “proud and poetic moment of justice” and praised Justice Khanna’s elevation as an homage to his late uncle, Justice HR Khanna, celebrated for his principled stand against the Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Honoring a Legacy of Judicial Courage
In a social media post, Jain hailed Justice Khanna’s appointment as a continuation of his uncle’s legacy, describing it as “retribution for the sacrifices made by his uncle, the late Justice HR Khanna.”
During the Emergency of 1975-77, Justice HR Khanna emerged as a defender of democracy, voicing opposition to the suspension of civil liberties and resisting the government’s repressive policies. His dissent in the ADM Jabalpur case became a symbol of judicial independence, though it cost him the position of Chief Justice.
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Jain elaborated on the historical importance of Justice HR Khanna’s stance, stating, “Justice HR Khanna was denied the chance to be Chief Justice for one reason: he was the lone voice that dared to stand up against Congress’s darkest hour—the Emergency of 1975-77.”
Critique of Congress’s Constitutional Stance
Jain took the opportunity to criticize the Congress’s present-day calls to “protect the Constitution,” calling it ironic. “Today, we hear Rahul Gandhi claiming to be the ‘savior’ of our Constitution, yet this is the same Congress that abused power, altered the Constitution to suit its own ends, and punished those who upheld democratic principles,” Jain wrote.
He went on to say, “Congress’s call to ‘protect’ the Constitution today is laughable. If given the chance, history shows they’d be the first to tear it apart.”
A Distinguished Judicial Career
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will hold the position for about six months, brings a strong judicial record to the role. As a Supreme Court judge, he has contributed to several landmark rulings, including decisions on Article 370, the decriminalization of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, and the EVM-VVPAT tally.
As India’s new CJI, Justice Khanna’s appointment has revived reflection on the judiciary’s commitment to democracy—a principle his family has long stood for.
