Justice Sanjiv Khanna took over as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, succeeding former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired from the country’s top legal post on Sunday.
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to the 64-year-old judge at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Khanna will serve a six-month term as the Chief Justice of India. He is due to retire on May 13 next year.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other ministers attended the ceremony. Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was also present.
In addition to the judges, the function was also attended by other legal luminaries, government officials, and key political figures. The participation of retired judges, including retired Chief Justices, adds a layer of respect and tradition, acknowledging the contributions of former members of the judiciary while also emphasizing the collaborative and collegial nature of the Indian legal system.
CJI Khanna was part of the bench that scrapped the electoral bonds scheme passed in the Parliament earlier. Khanna took the oath in English, in the name of God, bearing his allegiance to the Constitution of India ensuring that he will perform the duties of his office without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
The Government of India recently issued a formal notification appointing Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the next Chief Justice of India, effective from November 11, 2024. The Ministry of Law and Justice, in its notification, confirmed that the President, under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, has appointed Justice Khanna to the highest judicial post in the country.
Justice Khanna, who was born on May 14, 1960, began his legal career in 1983 by joining as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council. He has experience in a wide range of legal fields, including constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law. Justice Khanna also worked as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, representing the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
On his last working day, outgoing Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, became emotional as he reflected on his tenure, saying, “There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in
need.”
In his heartfelt farewell speech on Friday, CJI Chandrachud shared his journey from being a law student seated in the back row to presiding over the Supreme Court.
He expressed the honour of serving the nation and highlighted how each day in office offered opportunities for both professional growth and personal development.
(With ANI inputs)
