Rehan Khan
In keeping with the long-standing convention, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who is set to retire on November 10, 2024, has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor. CJI Chandrachud formally communicated his recommendation to the Union Government through a letter, proposing Justice Khanna to assume the role of the 51st Chief Justice of India. If the government accepts this recommendation, Justice Khanna will hold the position for approximately seven months, until May 13, 2025.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s elevation to the Supreme Court occurred in January 2019, following a distinguished legal career at the Delhi High Court. Before his appointment to the apex court, he practiced extensively in the Delhi High Court and tribunals, having enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. His legal practice included serving as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. He also held roles such as Additional Public Prosecutor and amicus curiae in criminal matters.
Justice Khanna was appointed an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005, becoming a permanent judge in 2006. His leadership roles in the judiciary included chairing the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.
Among his landmark rulings, Justice Khanna has demonstrated a strong commitment to constitutional values. Notably, he was part of a bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, a decision that reshaped the constitutional landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He also delivered significant judgments in cases involving fundamental rights, including a ruling where he held that Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) cannot be used to infringe on the fundamental right to life under Article 21.
Justice Khanna has also played a pivotal role as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, where he has contributed to improving access to justice across the country. His influence extends to his membership in the Governing Council of the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, where he has been instrumental in shaping judicial education.
As Justice Chandrachud prepares to step down after serving as CJI for two years, he has expressed reflections on his tenure. Speaking at an event in Bhutan on October 9, he shared his thoughts on the anxieties and uncertainties that accompany the end of his term, questioning how his contributions would be viewed by future generations. Nevertheless, he found comfort in knowing that he had consistently given his best effort during his time on the bench.
Justice Khanna, with his wealth of experience and dedication to upholding constitutional principles, is poised to carry forward the legacy of the Indian judiciary. His upcoming tenure as Chief Justice is expected to be marked by a focus on upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all, and maintaining the judiciary’s independence.