Delhi Chief Minister Atishi warmly congratulated Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday after his official swearing-in as India’s 51st Chief Justice. Taking to the social media platform X, Atishi praised Justice Khanna’s new appointment to the nation’s top judicial position and shared her hopes for his impactful tenure.
CM Atishi’s Message on Justice Khanna’s Role
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Justice Sanjiv Khanna on becoming the Chief Justice of India,” Atishi wrote, expressing her admiration. She added, “May his work further strengthen the foundations of our democracy, uphold equality, and protect the rights of every citizen.” Her message reflects the significance of Justice Khanna’s role in advancing justice and safeguarding democratic values.
Swearing-In Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna during a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This ceremony marked the beginning of Justice Khanna’s new responsibilities as he steps into his influential role within India’s judicial system.
A Distinguished Career in Law
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Khanna built an extensive judicial record. As a Delhi High Court judge, he not only issued judgments on critical cases but also held prominent positions, including Chairman of the Delhi Judicial Academy and Judge-in-Charge of both the Delhi International Arbitration Centre and District Court Mediation Centres.
Legal Expertise and Background
Justice Khanna, born in May 1960, earned his law degree from Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre and began practicing law in 1983. Specializing in areas like taxation, arbitration, environmental law, and commercial law, he quickly gained respect in the legal community. Throughout his career, he served as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and later represented the Delhi government as Standing Counsel (Civil). He also acted as an Additional Public Prosecutor and amicus curiae (friend of the court) in various criminal cases.
Landmark Judgments and Future Outlook
Over his tenure as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanna has contributed to several landmark rulings, including on Article 370, the decriminalization of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, and the EVM-VVPAT tally. His appointment as Chief Justice now holds significant expectations, as he takes on the task of upholding justice and citizens’ rights across the nation.
