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India witnessed a significant change in its judicial leadership today as Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumed the mantle of the 51st Chief Justice of India. The solemn ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to the 64-year-old judge. Justice Khanna's appointment follows the retirement of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who served in the top legal post until yesterday.
Justice Khanna's tenure as Chief Justice will be a short one, lasting for six months until his scheduled retirement on May 13, 2024. This brief period will allow him to guide the Supreme Court on crucial matters and oversee the smooth functioning of the judiciary. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other cabinet ministers, signifying the significance of the occasion.
Justice Khanna's journey to the apex court has been marked by a strong legal background and a distinguished family history. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, served as a judge in the Delhi High Court, while his mother, Saroj Khanna, was a lecturer at Lady Shri Ram College. Notably, his uncle, Justice Hans Raj Khanna, was a Supreme Court judge renowned for his dissenting judgment during the Emergency era. This legacy has undoubtedly shaped Justice Khanna's legal outlook and commitment to upholding the Constitution.
Prior to joining the Delhi High Court in 2005, Justice Khanna practiced as a lawyer. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, where he quickly established himself as a respected jurist. During his time on the bench, he has been involved in several landmark judgments, including those that upheld the sanctity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), revoked Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional. These decisions demonstrate his dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
As Chief Justice, Justice Khanna is expected to continue his commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. His experience and legal expertise will be crucial in guiding the Supreme Court during this pivotal time. The next six months will see him leading the court on a range of critical issues, including those related to human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
Source: Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn In As 51st Chief Justice Of India