Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has formally recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor, marking him as the 51st Chief Justice of India. This recommendation to the government sets in motion the process for appointing Justice Khanna as the next Chief Justice, following the seniority norm. Chief Justice Chandrachud is scheduled to retire on November 10, 2024, opening the door for this new transition.
As per the Memorandum of Procedure, the Law Ministry seeks the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice for the next appointment, and this step is crucial in formalising Justice Khanna’s elevation to the top judicial position in the country.
Justice Khanna, a respected figure in the legal world, is recognized not only for his seniority but also for his integrity and significant contributions to India’s legal landscape.
Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s legal journey began when he enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. His early career saw him practising in the district courts, and later, in the High Court of Delhi, handling a diverse range of legal areas.
His expertise spans constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, environmental law, and medical negligence. His deep understanding of these various branches of law contributed to his steady rise in the legal field.
Justice Khanna’s career saw significant milestones when he served as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department. He was also involved as a Standing Counsel for the National Capital Territory of Delhi and appeared as Additional Public Prosecutor in the High Court, representing the government's legal interests in crucial cases.
His extensive experience also saw him serving as amicus curiae in important legal matters, showcasing his dedication to the broader responsibilities of justice.
In 2005, he was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court, a role that quickly turned into a permanent position in 2006. His steady ascension in the judiciary culminated in his appointment as a Supreme Court judge on January 18, 2019.
Justice Khanna’s appointment to the Supreme Court was a significant event. At the time of his elevation, he was ranked 33rd in the combined seniority of High Court judges nationwide.
However, his promotion was based on merit and integrity, with the then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi backing his advancement. This decision emphasised his competence and capacity for the nation’s highest judicial responsibilities.
One of the notable moments in his career was when Justice Khanna led the Supreme Court bench that granted interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2024, allowing him to campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. His participation in key judicial moments, such as this, demonstrates his impact on significant political and legal events.
Justice Khanna also played an important role in the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, a decision that had profound implications for the status of Jammu and Kashmir within India. This decision underscored his involvement in critical constitutional matters that shaped the future of the nation.
As the next Chief Justice of India, Justice Khanna brings not only experience and knowledge but also a demonstrated commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
His tenure, set to last until May 13, 2025, will be closely watched as he takes on the responsibility of guiding the nation’s judiciary through important times. His role in leading significant cases, combined with his broad understanding of legal issues, positions him as a figure who will likely continue to influence the direction of Indian jurisprudence.
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