In a solemn ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna, formally appointing him as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Justice Khanna, who becomes the 51st CJI, will serve a term of approximately six months, bringing a distinguished career to the country’s highest judicial position.
Legal Milestones: Landmark Judgments and Judicial Roles
Justice Khanna has been instrumental in shaping Indian jurisprudence as a Supreme Court judge, contributing to several landmark judgments, including those on Article 370, the decriminalization of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, and EVM-VVPAT tally verification. However, his legal philosophy and expertise have garnered respect across the judiciary, and his new role as CJI is expected to continue this legacy.
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His appointment follows a recommendation by former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, and the Union Ministry of Law and Justice issued an official notification on October 24 confirming the elevation. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from 11 November 2024,” the ministry stated.
A Journey Through Legal Service
Justice Khanna has held several influential positions, including Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Service Committee. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority and is a member of the Governing Council of the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal.
Before joining the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna served as a judge at the Delhi High Court until January 2019, where he held key roles as Chairman of the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.
A Career Steeped in Legal Expertise
Born in May 1960, Justice Khanna studied law at Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre and began his legal career in 1983, enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi. Over the years, he developed a reputation in various legal fields, including taxation, arbitration, commercial law, environmental law, medical negligence, and corporate law. His experience also includes a long tenure as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and as Standing Counsel (Civil) for the Delhi government.
Throughout his career, Justice Khanna has however represented the government and also served as an Additional Public Prosecutor and as amicus curiae in numerous cases at the Delhi High Court.
A Respected Leader for the Nation’s Judiciary
As he assumes office, Justice Khanna however brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to upholding justice at the highest levels. His six-month tenure expect to address key judicial issues and uphold the judiciary’s role in advancing the rule of law in India.
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