Justice Sanjiv Khanna Takes Oath as 51st Chief Justice of India
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to assume the role of India’s 51st Chief Justice today, taking over from Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, who concluded a distinguished two-year tenure marked by numerous judicial advancements. Justice Khanna’s oath-taking ceremony will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, overseen by President Droupadi Murmu at 10 a.m. Justice Chandrachud’s term was notable for constitutional rulings, modernizing judicial practices, and increasing accessibility within India’s legal system. His faith in Justice Khanna’s leadership stems from Khanna’s extensive experience, both in law and administration, with Chandrachud describing him as a seasoned and highly capable jurist.
Justice Khanna’s legal journey began in 1983 with his registration at the Delhi Bar Council. He initially practiced in Delhi’s Tis Hazari district courts, followed by roles such as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and standing counsel for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. In 2005, he was elevated to the Delhi High Court, becoming a permanent judge in 2006. His trajectory to the Supreme Court in January 2019 was distinctive, as he reached the apex court without serving as a high court chief justice.
During his time at the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna delivered key judgments that shaped India’s legal landscape. His recent ruling on the electoral bond scheme highlighted the necessity of transparency in political funding, emphasizing voters’ rights to know the origins of financial contributions to elections. Additionally, Justice Khanna was part of the bench that upheld the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, facilitating Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with India. He has also advocated for the integrity of electronic voting machines, dismissing demands to revert to paper ballots, thereby reinforcing measures against electoral malpractice.
Notably, during the politically charged 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Justice Khanna granted interim bail to then-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a sensitive case, reflecting his commitment to balanced justice in high-profile matters. His legacy is deeply rooted in a family history of judicial integrity. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served on the Delhi High Court, while his uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, became a symbol of judicial bravery during the Emergency in 1976. Justice H.R. Khanna’s dissent in the ADM Jabalpur case, where he stood against the suspension of fundamental rights, remains a celebrated chapter in Indian legal history. His stance, though it cost him the Chief Justice position, established him as a defender of constitutional principles.
In addition to his judicial roles, Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s contributions extend to his work with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) as its executive chairman. In this capacity, he prioritized legal accessibility for disadvantaged communities. His upcoming term as Chief Justice, albeit short—ending in May 2025—carries high expectations. He is expected to focus on judicial reforms, enhancing the independence of the judiciary, and improving legal service delivery. A key challenge during his term will be addressing the longstanding backlog of cases, a pressing concern for India’s judicial system. Justice Khanna is anticipated to introduce innovative solutions such as case categorization and leveraging technology to streamline court processes, aiming for expedited and equitable justice.
Justice Chandrachud, who formally recommended Khanna’s appointment on October 24, expressed confidence in his successor’s capabilities. The transition is expected to maintain continuity and further the initiatives established during Chandrachud’s tenure, particularly in terms of modernization and constitutional jurisprudence. Justice Khanna’s appointment exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to upholding justice, integrity, and transparency within the judicial system.
As he prepares to take on the responsibilities of Chief Justice, expectations are high for Justice Khanna’s ability to lead India’s judiciary into a new phase of evolution and accountability. His legacy and vision will likely be shaped by efforts to enhance the judiciary’s accessibility, ensure timely justice, and uphold constitutional values in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.