New Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, Outlines Vision for a Reformed Judiciary
New Delhi: In his inaugural address as the 51st Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has outlined a forward-thinking vision aimed at transforming India’s judicial system into one that is more “approachable and user-friendly.” Stressing the judiciary’s vital role in maintaining the democratic framework, Justice Khanna emphasized that the judiciary is not just a mechanism for resolving disputes but a guardian of constitutional rights and an enabler of justice for all citizens.
Streamlining Justice Delivery:
Justice Khanna acknowledged the significant backlog of cases in Indian courts, an issue that has long plagued the system, causing delays and diminishing public trust. He outlined measures to expedite the judicial process, particularly in reducing the duration of trials. “Our objective is to make justice more efficient, more accessible, and less cumbersome for the people,” he stated. He also underscored the need for simplification of complex legal procedures that often deter common citizens from seeking legal redress.
Addressing the challenge of affordability, Khanna reiterated his commitment to making litigation more accessible, especially for marginalized communities. “Litigation should not be an arduous or financially draining process,” he remarked, indicating his intent to work towards policies that reduce the cost of accessing justice.
Reforming Criminal Case Management:
One of the central aspects of Justice Khanna’s agenda is the reform of criminal case management. With a focus on expediting criminal justice processes, he stressed the importance of ensuring that trials, particularly those in serious criminal cases, proceed without unnecessary delays. The backlog of criminal cases, often involving prolonged pre-trial detention, continues to be a serious issue for India’s justice system.
“We must ensure that justice is swift and fair, especially in criminal matters where individual liberties are at stake,” Justice Khanna affirmed. By improving the efficiency of criminal case management, he hopes to enhance the public’s faith in the system and ensure timely justice.
Protecting Constitutional Rights:
Justice Khanna’s vision also places great emphasis on the judiciary’s responsibility as the protector of citizens’ constitutional rights. He reiterated the importance of judicial independence and integrity, underlining that judges must remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, free from external pressures.
“It is our constitutional duty to ensure easy access to justice for all citizens of our great nation,” he said, reinforcing his belief that the judiciary should be impartial, transparent, and accountable. This approach, he believes, will not only improve access to justice but also bolster public confidence in the system.
Inclusive and Transparent Judiciary:
Justice Khanna emphasized the need for a more inclusive judiciary, one that reflects the diversity of the Indian populace. He called for greater representation and a more balanced approach to addressing the needs of every citizen, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized communities. This inclusivity, he believes, will make the judiciary more relatable and accountable.
He also highlighted the importance of transparency in the judicial process, advocating for reforms that would allow the public to better understand and engage with the judicial system. This transparency, Khanna believes, is essential for strengthening the legitimacy of the judiciary and ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done.
Legacy of Justice Khanna:
Justice Khanna, 64, took office as Chief Justice of India on May 15, 2024, succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud. His tenure is set to last until May 13, 2025. Known for his role in high-profile cases, such as his defense of the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and his pivotal involvement in declaring the Electoral Bonds scheme unconstitutional, Justice Khanna brings substantial experience to the role.
He has also been instrumental in upholding the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and has been part of key decisions that have shaped India’s constitutional landscape. Justice Khanna’s tenure is expected to be marked by continued focus on reform and judicial efficiency, with a commitment to addressing both the practical and constitutional challenges facing the Indian legal system.
As he embarks on his term as Chief Justice, Justice Khanna’s vision of a more accessible, efficient, and fair judicial system is poised to guide the Indian judiciary through an era of much-needed reforms, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as the cornerstone of India’s democracy.
