New Delhi, Oct 24: Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) and is set to take the oath of office on November 11, a day after the retirement of current Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who will step down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.
The appointment was officially confirmed on Thursday, with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announcing the decision on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Meghwal stated, “In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the Hon’ble President, after consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as Chief Justice of India, with effect from 11th November 2024.”
Justice Khanna, who has served as a Supreme Court judge since 2019, will have a brief tenure as CJI, lasting just over six months. He will demit office on May 13, 2025. His appointment comes as part of the regular succession process outlined in the Indian judicial system, wherein the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the CJI, following the incumbent’s retirement.
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the outgoing Chief Justice, assumed office in November 2022 and is widely regarded for his landmark rulings on civil liberties, women’s rights, and technology law. His tenure as CJI has been marked by a commitment to expanding access to justice and upholding constitutional values. Justice Chandrachud’s departure will bring an end to a term that spanned over two years, during which he handled several high-profile and significant cases.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, known for his sharp legal acumen and in-depth knowledge of constitutional law, has contributed to several notable judgments during his time on the Supreme Court bench. He played a key role in landmark decisions, including the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which decriminalized same-sex relationships, and judgments on electoral reforms and privacy rights.
As the new Chief Justice of India, Justice Khanna will oversee crucial cases and further developments in India’s judiciary, with expectations of his leadership to continue the reformist and progressive approach that has been a hallmark of his judicial career. His brief tenure is expected to see the handling of several significant matters, including constitutional issues, economic reforms, and pressing civil liberties cases.
The legal fraternity has expressed optimism about Justice Khanna’s upcoming term, citing his reputation for fairness, impartiality, and dedication to the rule of law. Legal scholars and observers are particularly keen to see how he navigates some of the complex judicial challenges ahead, particularly in the domains of fundamental rights, judicial transparency, and accountability.
Justice Khanna’s appointment marks another chapter in the legacy of one of India’s most respected judicial families. His uncle, Justice Hans Raj Khanna, was a Supreme Court judge renowned for his dissenting judgment in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case, a ruling that remains a symbol of judicial independence during the Emergency period in India.
As Justice Khanna prepares to assume the highest judicial office in the country, his leadership is expected to leave a lasting impact on the judicial landscape of India, ensuring the continued protection of democratic principles and the Constitution.