Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to take the oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, succeeding Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath at 10 am.

An Overview of Justice Sanjiv Khanna:

At 64 years old, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will serve a six-month term, expected to retire on May 13, 2025. He hails from a distinguished legal family, with his father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, having served as a former judge of the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, H.R. Khanna, being a renowned former Supreme Court judge, famous for his courageous dissenting opinion during the Emergency period.

Justice Khanna began his legal career in 1983 with the Delhi Bar Council, quickly establishing a reputation for his legal acumen. He was appointed to the Delhi High Court in 2005, where he gained significant experience in constitutional law, tax law, commercial disputes, and public law. In 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court, where he has continued to influence major decisions with his vast legal expertise.

Known for his impartiality, Justice Khanna has handled some of the most critical constitutional matters, spanning areas such as election law, taxation, and civil liberties. He has been a staunch advocate for upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic institutions.

Landmark Contributions to Indian Jurisprudence:

Throughout his career, Justice Khanna has been a part of several landmark judgments that have had far-reaching consequences for Indian law. Notably, he was part of the bench that upheld the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a case challenging their credibility. His involvement in the case supporting the abrogation of Article 370, which led to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, marked a significant moment in constitutional jurisprudence.

Justice Khanna also led the bench that declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, arguing that it threatened the transparency of political funding and the integrity of the electoral process. His judgment called for greater scrutiny and regulation of political contributions, strengthening the integrity of democratic processes.

In addition, Justice Khanna has contributed to the development of tax law and arbitration jurisprudence in India, bringing clarity and consistency to complex areas of law. He was instrumental in decisions that balanced the interests of the state with those of individual rights.

A Legal Family Legacy and Approach:

Justice Khanna’s legal legacy is rooted in his family’s illustrious history in the judiciary. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served as a respected judge of the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, H.R. Khanna, who is celebrated for his courage during the Emergency era, left an indelible mark on India’s legal landscape. This legacy has shaped Justice Khanna’s approach to his work, instilling a deep sense of duty toward justice, fairness, and constitutional integrity.

Justice Khanna’s career is marked by his meticulous approach to legal questions, his commitment to justice, and his ability to balance the demands of the law with the realities of Indian society. His clear and reasoned judgments have earned him respect within the legal fraternity and beyond.

Final Words of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud:

As Chief Justice DY Chandrachud bid farewell to the Supreme Court, he shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his tenure. Speaking on his last working day, Justice Chandrachud expressed deep emotion, saying, “There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need.” His words resonated with those in the legal community and underscored the importance of upholding the principles of justice in every decision made.

Justice Khanna’s appointment as Chief Justice marks a new chapter for the Indian judiciary, and his legacy promises to carry forward the values of justice and fairness. His leadership is anticipated to continue the traditions of integrity and independence that have come to define the highest judicial office in the country.

As he begins his tenure, the nation looks forward to his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of justice in India.