Justice Sanjiv Khanna: A Legacy of Judicial Excellence Justice Sanjiv Khanna has made history by becoming the 51st Chief Justice of India, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career, born on May 14, 1960, in New Delhi, Justice Khanna comes from a family of distinguished jurists. His uncle, Hans Raj Khanna, was a renowned judge of the Supreme Court of India, celebrated for his courageous dissent during the Emergency era. Early Life and Education: Justice Khanna's academic journey began at Modern School in New Delhi, followed by graduation from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, in 1980. He then pursued law at the Campus Law Centre of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, where he was batchmates with Justice Indu Malhotra. Rise Through the Ranks: Enrolled as an Advocate in the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983, Justice Khanna quickly made a name for himself. He served as Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi in 2004 and Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department, his judicial career took off when he was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005 and made permanent in 2006. Supreme Court Tenure: On January 18, 2019, Justice Khanna joined the Supreme Court of India, despite being junior to 32 High Court judges. His appointment sparked debate, but his exceptional credentials and commitment to justice ultimately earned him the much respect during his tenure, he delivered so many landmark judgments, including: ☆Granting Interim Bail: Justice Khanna championed personal liberty, granting interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case ¹. ☆EVM Verdict: He upheld the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), emphasizing the need for balance and caution against unwarranted skepticism . ☆Secularism Debate: Justice Khanna observed that secularism was inherent to the Constitution, sparking meaningful discussions on India's foundational values. It is to be seen if Chief Justice Khanna would constitute Constitution Benches to hear seminal issues like the government’s use of the Money Bill route to pass contentious amendments in laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the Parliament. Another reference triggered from the Sabarimala temple entry for women case, on the question of whether certain essential religious practices of various faiths should be constitutionally protected has been pending for a long. The case requires an answer on the contours of judicial review in ecumenical issues. The case was referred to a nine-judge Bench in 2018. *Oath taken ceremony as the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India*: On Monday, 11th November, 2024 Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), President Droupodi Murmu administered the oath in a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in presence of the Respected Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Government Ministers, former Chief Justices of India, and sitting and retired Hon’ble judges of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble High Courts. Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes over as Chief Justice of India after former CJI. D. Y. Chandrachud retired from the Supreme Court on Sunday, November 10. In his farewell speech on his last working day on Friday, November 8, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud expressed confidence in Justice Khanna's future leadership, describing his successor as dignified, stable and deeply committed to justice, Justice Khanna succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday (November 10, 2024), and his term will last until May 13, 2025. Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s appointment as Chief Justice in a very short span of time comes at a critical time for India’s judiciary, which has been navigating a series of challenges, including increasing pendency of cases, debates over judicial reforms, and the need for greater transparency in judicial appointments. #supremecourtofindia #Chiefjusticeofindia #newdelhi #legalupdates #legalupdatesindia Legis and Associates