President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Thursday. Justice Khanna, who is currently serving as a judge in the Supreme Court, will take the oath of office on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who will retire on November 10, 2024.

A government notification confirmed the appointment, stating, “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court, as the Chief Justice of India with effect from November 11, 2024.”

Justice Khanna’s tenure will be relatively short, as he is set to retire on March 13, 2025, after serving as CJI for just over four months. Despite this, his appointment holds significant importance, as it comes at a time when the judiciary faces pressing legal and constitutional challenges.

A graduate of Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre, Justice Khanna began his legal career in 1983, practicing primarily before the Delhi High Court. He was appointed as a judge of the Delhi High Court in June 2005, following a distinguished career as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and standing counsel for civil matters for the Delhi government. His elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019 marked a significant milestone in his career.

Justice Khanna hails from a distinguished legal lineage. His father, Dev Raj Khanna, was a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, the late Justice Hans Raj Khanna, held a senior position at the Supreme Court. Justice Hans Raj Khanna is remembered for his courageous stand during the Emergency when he famously resigned after being bypassed for the position of Chief Justice of India.

In his recent role, Justice Khanna has presided over Courtroom Number 2, which houses a life-size portrait of his revered uncle, Justice Hans Raj Khanna, symbolizing the strong family legacy that continues to inspire his career. As he steps into the role of Chief Justice, his leadership will be closely watched as the judiciary continues to navigate complex legal issues in the country.

Justice Khanna’s appointment to the highest judicial office comes at a critical time, with many looking to him to ensure the continued independence and integrity of India’s judiciary while upholding the rule of law in the face of evolving societal challenges.