Justice Sanjiv Khanna, set to take oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, initially faced expectations from his parents to pursue a career as a chartered accountant, as they anticipated challenges in a legal profession. However, inspired by his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, a respected Supreme Court justice known for his stance on judicial independence, Justice Sanjiv Khanna ultimately chose law. Justice HR Khanna, widely regarded for his integrity, especially after his dissenting opinion in the 1976 “habeas corpus case” (ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla), influenced Justice Sanjiv Khanna deeply, shaping his views on upholding judicial independence.
After his 2019 appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice Sanjiv Khanna served on high-profile cases, including a ruling supporting the abrogation of Article 370 and upholding the electoral bond scheme. His legal career reflects a commitment to social justice and transparency, and he has been actively involved in legal reform initiatives as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, advocating for accessible legal services for underprivileged communities.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s upcoming tenure as Chief Justice will be brief, lasting until his mandatory retirement on May 13, 2025. As he steps into this role, he brings experience from years of judicial service, including his role as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department at the Delhi High Court. He has overseen judgments on topics ranging from election integrity to personal liberties, granting interim bail to public figures and underscoring the “right to life and liberty.” His balanced approach and judicial restraint are expected to guide the Supreme Court through a critical period as it addresses key constitutional and societal issues.
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This new chapter follows a recommendation by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who highlighted Justice Khanna’s seniority and judicial contributions. The legal community is keen to see how Justice Khanna, an advocate for progressive judicial principles, will shape India’s judiciary in his short tenure, potentially addressing backlogged cases and promoting judicial transparency.