Justice Sanjiv Khanna took the oath of office as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other dignitaries, including former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who recommended Justice Khanna’s appointment before his retirement on November 10.
Justice Khanna, born on May 14, 1960, pursued his law degree at the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University and is a third-generation lawyer. After serving on the Delhi High Court, he was appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2019. Known for his role on numerous Constitution Benches, he has presided over cases of national significance, including those on Article 370, electoral bonds, and electronic voting security measures.
A notable figure in the legal community, Justice Khanna also served as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). His Supreme Court bench handled high-profile cases, including Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal’s interim bail in the liquor policy case, underscoring his commitment to justice even in politically charged cases.
Justice Khanna will serve as Chief Justice until May 13, 2025. His leadership promises a continued commitment to transparency, fairness, and upholding India’s constitutional values.
