Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to take his oath today as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu. Succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired recently, Justice Khanna will serve a six-month term until his retirement on May 13, 2025.

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna comes from a family deeply rooted in the legal profession; he is the son of former Delhi High Court Judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of renowned former Supreme Court Judge HR Khanna. Starting his legal career in 1983 as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council, he has gained extensive experience across various legal domains, including constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law.

Justice Khanna’s judicial journey began with his elevation to the Delhi High Court in 2005. By 2019, he was appointed to the Supreme Court, where he contributed significantly to several landmark judgments. Notable among these were rulings that upheld the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, and scrapped Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. His bench also granted interim bail to then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, allowing him to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.

Justice Khanna’s influence extends to various judicial bodies, where he has made notable contributions. His efforts within the Delhi Judicial Academy, Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and District Court Mediation Centres have helped shape judicial and arbitration practices, fostering efficiency and transparency in legal processes.

Justice Khanna’s predecessor, Justice DY Chandrachud, shared heartfelt reflections on his final day as Chief Justice, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the public. He highlighted the honor of addressing the needs of the vulnerable and upholding justice.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s appointment as Chief Justice marks a new chapter for the Indian judiciary, with high expectations for his commitment to transparency, judicial integrity, and service to the public.