Justice Sanjiv Khanna sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Justice Khanna, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, has a distinguished judicial career spanning over three decades. Prior to his elevation to the top court, he served as a judge in the Delhi High Court, where he earned a reputation for his expertise in constitutional and commercial law. His appointment as Chief Justice comes at a time when the judiciary faces several significant challenges, including addressing the backlog of cases and enhancing judicial transparency.
Justice Khanna is known for his meticulous approach to legal matters and has been part of several important rulings. He has also served on key judicial panels, dealing with issues ranging from the protection of fundamental rights to environmental concerns. His leadership is expected to bring a focus on strengthening the judiciary’s independence and efficiency, along with reforms aimed at improving access to justice.
In his inaugural address, Justice Khanna emphasized the need for continued reforms within the judiciary and expressed his commitment to upholding the Constitution. His tenure as Chief Justice is anticipated to focus on streamlining the judicial process and addressing issues that impact the public’s confidence in the legal system.
As Chief Justice, Justice Khanna will also preside over the Supreme Court’s collegium, which plays a crucial role in appointing judges to higher courts. His appointment is seen as a continuation of the Supreme Court’s tradition of upholding the rule of law and judicial integrity.
Justice Khanna’s tenure as Chief Justice will last until August 2025, as he is set to retire at the age of 65.