New Delhi, Nov 11 — Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially assumed office as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, taking the oath administered by President Droupadi Murmu in a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Khanna, a prominent judicial figure renowned for his role in landmark verdicts, will serve as Chief Justice until May 13, 2025, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday.
The swearing-in was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, former CJI J.S. Khehar, and the outgoing CJI Chandrachud. Justice Khanna took his oath in English, affirming in the name of God.
Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna has served on the Supreme Court bench since January 2019. His career has been distinguished by his contributions to several landmark rulings, including verdicts on electronic voting machines (EVMs), the electoral bonds scheme, the abrogation of Article 370, and interim bail for former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. His tenure reflects a commitment to upholding democratic principles, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional values.
A third-generation legal professional, Justice Khanna hails from a respected Delhi family with deep judicial ties. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served on the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, the esteemed Justice H.R. Khanna, was known for his courageous stance in the ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency, where he famously dissented against the suspension of fundamental rights. Justice H.R. Khanna’s landmark judgment in the Kesavananda Bharati case, which established the basic structure doctrine, remains one of the most cited and revered judgments in Indian legal history.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s decisions in the Supreme Court reflect a progressive stance on electoral reforms and national integrity. In a significant ruling, he upheld the legitimacy of EVMs, affirming that these devices provide security and eliminate issues like booth capturing and bogus voting, countering calls to revert to paper ballots. Additionally, as part of a five-judge bench, Justice Khanna ruled the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional, underscoring his advocacy for transparent political funding. He also upheld the Centre’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, a landmark verdict with profound implications for Jammu and Kashmir.
Justice Khanna’s legal journey began with his enrollment as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. Practicing initially in the Tis Hazari district courts, he subsequently argued cases at the Delhi High Court, where he developed an expertise in taxation and public interest matters. His role as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and standing counsel for the National Capital Territory of Delhi solidified his reputation for diligence and fairness. Additionally, as Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), he has shown dedication to expanding access to justice for marginalized communities.
In his brief tenure as CJI, Justice Khanna is expected to prioritize judicial efficiency and address the issue of pendency, aiming for a more responsive justice delivery system.