In a historic ceremony held on 10th, November , Justice Sanjiv Khanna took his oath of office as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), a position of profound responsibility within the Indian judicial system. Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu, Justice Khanna’s ascension follows his predecessor, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, and reflects India’s adherence to seniority principles in judicial appointments. His tenure, though brief, promises to uphold the judiciary’s independence and ensure the continuance of key judicial reforms.
Early Life and Legal Education
Justice Khanna’s journey in the legal profession began at Delhi University, where he earned his law degree. His enrollment with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 marked the beginning of a promising career. He initially practiced at the district courts of Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court Complex, a vital training ground that allowed him to build a reputation for meticulous preparation and a deep commitment to justice. Subsequently, he took his expertise to the Delhi High Court and other judicial tribunals, where his work earned him widespread respect and recognition.
Rising Through the Judicial Ranks
In 2005, Justice Khanna was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court. His appointment was made permanent a year later, highlighting his ability and dedication to the bench. With each judgment, Justice Khanna reinforced his reputation as a fair and impartial judge, bringing clarity and reason to his rulings. His clear focus on upholding constitutional values paved the way for him to the Supreme Court in 2019, a prestigious elevation that placed him among India’s leading jurists.
Contributions to the Indian Supreme Court
Upon joining the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna continued to impact the Indian judiciary through landmark rulings and his chairmanship of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee from June to December 2023. His work in this role showcased his dedication to providing legal aid and ensuring that justice reaches the underserved and underprivileged in society.
Justice Khanna’s notable judgments reflect a commitment to transparency, human rights, and constitutional interpretation:
- Right to Information (RTI) and Judicial Transparency: Justice Khanna was a key part of the five-judge bench that ruled in favor of applying the RTI Act to the office of the Chief Justice of India, a historic decision aimed at enhancing judicial accountability. This ruling emphasized that the judiciary, like other government branches, must be transparent and accountable to the public.
- Article 370 and Jammu & Kashmir: Justice Khanna played a pivotal role in the landmark ruling that upheld the central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, effectively revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. This decision had profound implications for Indian federalism and regional governance and marked a shift in the judiciary’s stance on matters of national security and sovereignty.
- Central Vista Redevelopment Project: Justice Khanna also served on the bench that cleared the Central Vista project, a major government-led redevelopment initiative in New Delhi. The verdict backed the project’s legality, despite concerns from activists about heritage preservation and urban planning, showcasing a pragmatic approach to balancing development and heritage.
Tenure as the 51st Chief Justice of India
Justice Khanna’s tenure as Chief Justice will conclude on May 13, 2025, given the Supreme Court’s age-related retirement policy for judges. His short time as CJI is expected to focus on streamlining judicial processes, especially in the handling of public interest litigations and constitutional matters. He has already demonstrated a commitment to fast-tracking cases that directly affect citizens’ rights and freedoms, and his actions thus far indicate that he will prioritize efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Expected Impact and Legacy
Though brief, Justice Khanna’s tenure could leave a lasting legacy on the Indian judiciary. His past decisions suggest a balanced approach, where constitutional values, government accountability, and citizens’ rights are carefully weighed. Given his track record, he may likely advocate for reforms that further transparency in judicial appointments and establish clearer guidelines on matters of public interest.
Justice Khanna’s background as a seasoned jurist, combined with his fair and balanced judgments, signifies his understanding of the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles. His efforts toward legal transparency and social justice could make a significant mark on India’s legal landscape, ensuring that the Supreme Court remains a strong and independent institution.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s appointment as the 51st Chief Justice of India stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to the law. His deep-rooted experience, ethical stance, and commitment to the Constitution set a high bar for the Indian judiciary. As he leads the Supreme Court, the nation will be watching closely, hopeful for a tenure that upholds the values of transparency, justice, and equality.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Indian judiciary and presides over the Supreme Court, overseeing the judicial functions and administrative duties. Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s tenure is expected to focus on increasing transparency, speeding up case resolutions, and reinforcing citizens’ rights in key rulings.
Justice Khanna has delivered significant judgments, including the landmark decision to bring the Chief Justice’s office under the RTI Act for judicial transparency, the ruling on the abrogation of Article 370, and the clearance of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. These cases underscore his commitment to constitutional values and transparency.
