Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, November 11. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi at 10 a.m. Justice Khanna will take over from Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, whose term ended on November 10. Justice Khanna’s tenure as Chief Justice will last until May 13, 2025.
Key Highlights of Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Career
Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been involved in several landmark judgments throughout his career in the Supreme Court. Here are some key highlights:
- Upholding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): Justice Sanjiv Khanna led a bench that dismissed doubts about the security of EVMs in elections. His judgment, issued on April 26, declared that suspicions of EVM manipulation were “unfounded” and highlighted how the machines reduce booth capturing and bogus voting.
- Abrogation of Article 370: Justice Sanjiv Khanna was part of the five-judge bench that upheld the government’s decision in 2019 to abrogate Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
- Scrapping the Electoral Bonds Scheme: Justice Sanjiv Khanna was also involved in the judgment that declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. This scheme was meant to provide funding for political parties, but Justice Khanna’s bench ruled against it.
- Interim Bail for Former Delhi CM: Justice Khanna led a bench that granted interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, allowing him to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections amid an excise policy investigation.
Background and Family Legacy
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was born on May 14, 1960. He completed his legal studies at the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University. He comes from a prominent family with a long legal heritage. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served as a judge in the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, was a famous Supreme Court judge known for his commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Justice H.R. Khanna is best remembered for his dissenting opinion in the ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency in 1976, which upheld the abrogation of fundamental rights—a decision often considered a “black spot” in Indian judicial history. Justice H.R. Khanna’s stance made him a symbol of judicial independence and integrity.
Early Legal Career and Contributions
Justice Sanjiv Khanna enrolled as an advocate in 1983 with the Bar Council of Delhi. He began his career practicing at the Tis Hazari District Courts in Delhi and later moved to the Delhi High Court. His career grew steadily over the years with significant milestones:
- Standing Counsel for Income Tax: Justice Khanna held the role of Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department for many years.
- Civil Standing Counsel for Delhi Government: In 2004, he was appointed as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
- Additional Public Prosecutor and Amicus Curiae: Justice Khanna also served as an additional public prosecutor, arguing several criminal cases at the Delhi High Court, and worked as an amicus curiae.
Justice Khanna was appointed to the Delhi High Court and later elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.
Vision and Commitment to Justice
He is known for his commitment to reducing delays in justice delivery. Justice Khanna has consistently worked to improve efficiency within the judiciary. He was the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). There he promoted accessible justice for all citizens.
Justice Khanna’s upcoming tenure as Chief Justice of India comes after a distinguished career marked by integrity and key judicial decisions impacting Indian society. His legacy, rooted in a family tradition of legal excellence, is likely to shape his vision as he steps into this prominent role.
Key Points at a Glance
- Swearing-in Date: November 11, 2024
- Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
- Oath by: President Droupadi Murmu
- Tenure Ends: May 13, 2025
Notable Judgments:
- Upheld EVM use in elections
- Supported the abrogation of Article 370
- Declared electoral bonds unconstitutional
- Granted interim bail to former Delhi CM in excise policy cases
Family Legacy:
- Son of Delhi High Court judge Dev Raj Khanna and nephew of Supreme Court judge H.R. Khanna
Professional Roles:
- Executive Chairman of NALSA
- Former Standing Counsel for Income Tax and Delhi Government
