Justice Sanjiv Khanna: India’s 51st Chief Justice
Justice Sanjiv Khanna has officially stepped into his new role as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) as of November 11, 2024. Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu, he succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who retired on November 10, 2024. Justice Khanna’s term, while brief, is set to cover some key judicial issues in India.
A Glance at Justice Khanna’s Background
Justice Khanna has a strong judicial background and has served as a judge in the Supreme Court since 2019. He was also previously a judge at the Delhi High Court. Known for his focus on personal rights and constitutional integrity, his work has touched on crucial areas like:
- Constitutional Law: Advocating for democratic freedoms.
- Arbitration and Commercial Cases: Overseeing complex business and dispute cases.
- Personal Liberties: Emphasizing rights for all citizens and judicial transparency.
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Additional Roles and Contributions
Apart from his Supreme Court duties, Justice Khanna is actively involved in improving legal access for Indian citizens. Some of his other roles include:
- Chair of the National Legal Services Authority: This position focuses on making legal aid accessible and affordable for the public.
- Governing Council of the National Judicial Academy: Justice Khanna’s work here includes overseeing training for new judges and promoting judicial education.
Focus Areas for His Tenure
Justice Khanna’s tenure will be relatively short, concluding on May 13, 2025, when he reaches the retirement age of 65. Here’s what his time as Chief Justice may emphasize:
- Personal Liberties: Upholding individual rights, a topic that Justice Khanna has championed in his past rulings.
- Judicial Efficiency: Working to streamline judicial processes, reduce delays, and ensure timely case resolutions.
- Constitutional Integrity: Prioritizing cases that reinforce the values and principles of India’s Constitution.
Conclusion
While Justice Khanna’s time as Chief Justice will be short, he is likely to have a significant impact. His tenure is expected to tackle important issues, including personal liberties, access to justice, and constitutional protection. His judicial philosophy emphasizes fairness and transparency, which will guide his decisions in this vital role.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s tenure as CJI highlights India’s ongoing efforts to support a judiciary that upholds rights and freedoms for all its citizens.
