Justice Sanjiv Khanna to Assume Role as India’s 51st Chief Justice Today: A Vision for Judicial Reforms

New Delhi: Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be officially sworn in today as India’s 51st Chief Justice, marking a significant new chapter for the country’s judiciary. In a ceremony led by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Justice Khanna will assume office at 10 am, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. 

A Transition of Judicial Leadership 

Justice Khanna’s becomes following a recommendation from Justice Chandrachud, endorsed by the Union government on October 24, 2024. With decades of experience in various legal and administrative capacities, Justice Khanna’s ascension is viewed with optimism by both his peers and legal scholars. Justice Chandrachud, reflecting on his tenure, praised his successor as “a seasoned judge with a deep understanding of law and a proven administrative acumen.” He added that Justice Khanna’s leadership promises to steer the institution toward upholding the principles of justice and constitutional integrity. 

An Illustrious Legal Journey 

Beginning his legal career in 1983, Justice Khanna has an extensive background in law and judicial administration. A member of the Delhi Bar Council, he first practiced in Delhi’s Tis Hazari district courts, later representing the Income Tax Department and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. In 2005, he appointed to the Delhi High Court as a permanent judge. In an unusual trajectory, he was promoted to the Supreme Court in January 2019, bypassing the customary role of chief justice in a high court. 
In his Supreme Court tenure, Justice Khanna has contributed to numerous landmark judgments that have redefined critical areas of the law. Recently, his ruling on the electoral bond scheme underscored the importance of transparency in political funding, affirming the public’s right to information in a democratic system. His involvement in the bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, effectively integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, further reflects his role in decisions of national significance. Notably, he has also supported the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs), countering demands for a return to paper ballots by emphasizing EVMs’ role in safeguarding electoral integrity. 

A Legacy of Judicial Integrity 

Justice Khanna’s commitment to judicial principles is deeply rooted in his family’s legal heritage. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna was at Delhi High Court and his uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna is a monumental figure in Indian judicial history. He is especially known as for his Jabalpur case during the 1976 Emergency. He upheld the sanctity of fundamental rights, sacrificing the position of Chief Justice of India for his stance. This legacy of integrity and courage has significantly shaped Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s own approach to law. 

Guiding Legal Accessibility and Justice for All 

In recent years, Justice Khanna has been a strong advocate for accessible justice, serving as the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Through his leadership at NALSA, he has championed initiatives to make legal assistance more reachable for marginalized and underprivileged communities. His tenure saw innovative outreach programs that simplified legal access for economically weaker sections, signaling his commitment to equal justice. 

The Road Ahead: Judicial Reforms and Case Backlog Reduction 

One of the foremost challenges he faces is addressing the overwhelming pendency of cases, a longstanding issue for the Indian judicial system. He is expected to introduce strategic reforms, including a greater emphasis on case categorization, integration of advanced technology, and streamlined judicial processes to reduce delays in case resolution without sacrificing fairness or quality. 
Another priority on his agenda includes strengthening judicial independence. Analysts believe that Justice Khanna may pursue mechanisms to insulate the judiciary from external influences, reinforcing the institution’s autonomy. Additionally, he is likely to expand upon Justice Chandrachud’s initiatives in technological modernization, using AI and digital platforms to improve case management and enhance the efficiency of court operations. 

A Vision for Strengthening the Judicial System 

With a blend of extensive legal knowledge, a background in judicial administration, and a legacy of judicial integrity, Justice Khanna’s leadership is anticipated to bring new momentum to India’s judiciary. Legal experts and practitioners are hopeful that his tenure will advance much-needed reforms, foster a more accessible and efficient judicial framework, and uphold the core values of justice, integrity, and transparency. 
Today’s oath-taking ceremony not only marks the arrival of a new Chief Justice but also reflects the judiciary’s ongoing evolution. Justice Khanna’s stewardship is expected to resonate within India’s legal landscape, driving meaningful progress toward a justice system that serves the nation’s ideals and its people with unwavering dedication.