Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn In as India’s 51st Chief Justice, Succeeding DY Chandrachud

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sanjiv khanna and DY chandrachud

On November 11, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), taking over from Justice DY Chandrachud. This transition in the highest judicial office comes at a critical time for the Indian judiciary, facing a dynamic array of legal, social, and constitutional challenges. Justice Khanna, known for his expertise in constitutional law, commitment to human rights, and balanced approach, is expected to bring a distinctive judicial perspective to India’s Supreme Court as he embarks on this new role.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top government officials, senior judges, and other dignitaries. The transfer of leadership from Justice Chandrachud to Justice Khanna marks a new chapter in India’s judiciary, with Justice Khanna expected to serve until his retirement in May 2025.

Background of Justice Sanjiv Khanna

Justice Khanna hails from a family with deep-rooted connections to the legal profession. Born in 1960, he is the nephew of the late Justice Hans Raj Khanna, an eminent Supreme Court judge remembered for his principled stand during the Emergency period in India. His uncle’s dissenting opinion in the ADM Jabalpur case, in favor of protecting fundamental rights, has been etched into India’s legal history as a symbol of judicial independence. This legacy of standing for constitutional principles and individual rights has influenced Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s own legal philosophy.

Graduating from the University of Delhi with a law degree, Justice Khanna practiced extensively in the Delhi High Court, representing various public and private institutions. His legal expertise spans multiple domains, including constitutional, civil, commercial, and labor law. Elevated as a judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005, he served there for over a decade before his promotion to the Supreme Court in 2019. Over the years, Justice Khanna has authored significant judgments that underscore his commitment to safeguarding individual rights, upholding constitutional values, and ensuring judicial accountability.

A Legacy of Justice DY Chandrachud

Justice Khanna steps into the role of CJI following the tenure of Justice DY Chandrachud, who made substantial contributions during his time in office. Justice Chandrachud’s tenure was marked by landmark decisions and a commitment to judicial reforms, particularly in areas such as technology integration within the judiciary, promoting transparency, and enhancing access to justice. His forward-thinking approach and progressive views on fundamental rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights have earned him a place among the most notable Chief Justices in recent history.

Justice Chandrachud’s focus on judicial transparency and efficiency has set a high standard for Justice Khanna, who now faces the task of continuing these reforms while bringing his own vision to the Indian judiciary. His emphasis on inclusive justice, digital accessibility, and quick case resolution has transformed the way India’s top court functions, creating a more robust and responsive system.

Expectations from Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna

As Justice Khanna assumes office, the Indian judiciary faces numerous challenges that will test his leadership. One of the most pressing issues is the enormous backlog of cases, with over 70,000 cases currently pending before the Supreme Court alone. Justice Khanna’s tenure is expected to address this backlog by promoting mechanisms for case prioritization, efficient case management, and alternative dispute resolution.

Justice Khanna is also likely to focus on maintaining judicial independence amid increasing scrutiny and criticism. With cases that often pit individual rights against state power, his tenure could shape the relationship between the judiciary and the executive branch in significant ways. Known for his balanced approach, he is expected to uphold the principles of separation of powers, safeguarding the judiciary’s independence while fostering a cooperative relationship with other branches of government.

Key Judgments and Contributions

Justice Khanna’s judgments on constitutional matters have highlighted his dedication to upholding fundamental rights. His notable contributions include judgments that address privacy rights, corporate transparency, and the right to dissent. He has often emphasized that the judiciary must be the “last bastion” for individuals whose rights are infringed upon, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in protecting personal freedoms.

His involvement in crucial cases, including those related to freedom of expression and environmental protection, showcases his forward-thinking approach to balancing development with individual rights. In cases concerning corporate governance and labor laws, Justice Khanna has displayed a keen understanding of social justice, often prioritizing worker protections and environmental responsibility.

Moving Forward

Justice Khanna’s approach to justice is expected to be rooted in empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. His tenure will likely see a continued emphasis on individual rights, judicial reforms, and ensuring that the judiciary remains accessible and responsive to citizens’ needs. With his experience, integrity, and constitutional acumen, Justice Khanna is set to leave a mark on the Supreme Court and uphold the values of India’s democracy.

In assuming the role of Chief Justice, Justice Khanna embarks on a journey that will shape India’s legal landscape for years to come. His balanced approach and dedication to justice have set high expectations, as he leads the Supreme Court through complex cases that will determine the future of Indian jurisprudence.

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