Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India

Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking an important moment for India’s judicial system. Known for his strong legal understanding and commitment to constitutional values, his appointment has been widely respected and anticipated in both legal and public circles.

[Image taken from: https://www.sci.gov.in/judge/justice-sanjiv-khanna/]

The oath-taking ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India administered the oath. Senior judges, legal experts, and government officials attended the event, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a meaningful and positive tenure.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, born on 14th May 1960, has had a distinguished career in the Indian judiciary. Justice Khanna studied at Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre and started his legal career with a strong commitment to justice and the law. He was enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and began his legal practice in the District Courts at Tis Hazari, Delhi.

Justice Khanna’s professional journey also includes a long tenure as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department. In 2004, he was appointed as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. His experience extended to criminal law as well, where he represented cases as an Additional Public Prosecutor and acted as an amicus curiae in various matters before the Delhi High Court.

In 2005, he was elevated to the position of an additional judge at the Delhi High Court and was confirmed as a permanent judge the following year. During his time at the High Court, Justice Khanna played a crucial role in several key judicial initiatives, including his leadership as Chairman and Judge-in-Charge for the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.

On 18th January 2019, he was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, where he has continued to serve with distinction. From June 2023 to December 2023, Justice Khanna served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Service Committee, further contributing to the legal community.

Justice Khanna brings a history of legal integrity to his new role. He is part of a renowned legal family and is the nephew of Justice H.R. Khanna, who is remembered for his bold dissent in the ADM Jabalpur case, defending personal freedoms during the Emergency.

Throughout his career, Justice Khanna has been involved in several important cases that have upheld fundamental rights, promoted social justice, and defended individual freedoms.