India’s current Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, has officially nominated Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor. Justice Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India upon Chandrachud’s retirement on November 10, 2024.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Nominates Successor
As per tradition, the Chief Justice of India nominates their successor before retiring. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who will retire on November 10, 2024, has proposed the name of Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the central law ministry. Following the customary procedure, the next Chief Justice is usually the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Chandrachud has honored this tradition by recommending Justice Khanna.
Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna?
Justice Sanjiv Khanna began his legal career as a lawyer in the Delhi district courts before moving to the Delhi High Court. He served as a senior advocate for the Income Tax Department until 2004. In 2005, he was appointed as an additional judge in the Delhi High Court, and in 2006, he became a permanent judge. His tenure at the Supreme Court began in 2019 when he was appointed as a Supreme Court justice.
Interestingly, Justice Khanna is among the few judges in India who became a Supreme Court judge without first being a Chief Justice of a High Court. This highlights his expertise and qualifications, which have made him a prominent figure in the Indian judiciary.
Justice Khanna’s Tenure as Chief Justice
Justice Khanna will take oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 10, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu will administer his oath of office. However, his term as Chief Justice will be relatively short, as he is set to retire on May 13, 2025.
Despite the brevity of his tenure, Justice Khanna is expected to leave a lasting impact on the Indian judiciary, much like his predecessors. His leadership will guide the Supreme Court in handling key legal cases and upholding the integrity of the legal system.
Notable Contributions of Justice Sanjiv Khanna
Justice Khanna has played a crucial role in several landmark cases during his tenure at the Supreme Court. He was part of the bench that ruled on significant cases, including the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and the electoral bonds case. His participation in these high-profile cases has solidified his reputation as a decisive and fair judge.
In addition to his judicial accomplishments, Justice Khanna has earned respect for his balanced and thoughtful approach to sensitive legal issues. His expertise in constitutional law and administrative matters will be invaluable during his tenure as Chief Justice.
What to Expect from Justice Khanna’s Leadership
As the next Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be responsible for steering the judiciary during a time of significant legal and societal challenges. His tenure will involve addressing various important cases, continuing reforms in the judiciary, and ensuring swift and fair justice delivery.
Despite his relatively short term, Justice Khanna’s experience and wisdom are expected to provide valuable insights into India’s legal system. His tenure could pave the way for further reforms, modernizing the judiciary, and improving the efficiency of legal proceedings.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s nomination as the next Chief Justice of India is a significant moment in the country’s judicial history. With a rich background in law and an impressive track record, his leadership will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s judiciary. As he prepares to take oath on November 10, all eyes will be on his contributions to the nation’s highest court.