New Delhi: In a significant judicial transition, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, marking a new chapter in the nation’s judiciary. His oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who had recommended Justice Khanna as his successor.
Justice Khanna’s appointment was officially notified by the government on October 24, following Chief Justice Chandrachud’s endorsement. Justice Chandrachud completed his term on November 8, receiving a grand farewell from Supreme Court judges, lawyers, and staff in recognition of his contributions.
Who Is Justice Sanjiv Khanna?
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is no stranger to landmark rulings. He has been instrumental in judgments that have redefined Indian democracy and its legal landscape. His judicial repertoire includes upholding the legality of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, endorsing the abrogation of Article 370, and granting interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Justice Khanna hails from a distinguished legal lineage. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, was a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, famously stood against governmental overreach during the Emergency by dissenting in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case. His uncle’s principled stance against the suspension of fundamental rights became a cornerstone of judicial courage, but it came at a price HR Khanna was overlooked for the Chief Justice position in favor of Justice MH Beg.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s commitment to upholding justice mirrors his family’s legacy. Elevated to the Supreme Court in January 2019, he is driven by a mission to reduce case backlogs and expedite justice delivery. He carries forward the torch of integrity, championing the ideals of the judiciary.
A Legacy of Constitutional Integrity
Justice HR Khanna, his uncle, is remembered as a guardian of India’s Constitution. Notably, he contributed to the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case, which established the Basic Structure Doctrine, a fundamental safeguard ensuring that certain constitutional principles cannot be altered by Parliament. This doctrine continues to protect democratic values and judicial independence.
Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Sanjiv Khanna graduated from Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre, setting the foundation for a lifetime in the legal profession.
