## India’s New Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna: Key Cases & Landmark Judgments Ahead
Justice Sanjiv Khanna has officially assumed the role of India’s 51st Chief Justice, taking the reins at the Supreme Court on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. His six-month tenure is set to be marked by a series of high-profile cases, carrying the potential to significantly impact various aspects of Indian society.
Known for his involvement in landmark judgments like the electoral bonds scheme and the abrogation of Article 370, CJI Khanna’s court will now face a new set of challenges. Here’s a look at some of the crucial cases set to be heard during his time as Chief Justice:
1. Criminalization of Marital Rape:
One of the most sensitive cases on the docket is the petition seeking to criminalize marital rape. The Supreme Court, on October 23rd, adjourned the hearing for four weeks, and it’s likely to be taken up by the bench led by CJI Khanna in November or December. This case has sparked intense debate, with advocates arguing that the current legal framework fails to protect women from sexual violence within marriage. The outcome of this hearing holds immense significance for women’s rights in India.
2. Google’s Antitrust Battle:
The tech giant Google is facing an antitrust lawsuit in the Supreme Court, stemming from the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) decision to impose a ₹1,338 crore fine on Google for alleged anti-competitive practices in the Android mobile device ecosystem. The case, initially scheduled for October 11th, was postponed due to other hearings and is now expected to be heard in January 2024. This case has significant implications for the future of online competition and the balance of power in the digital marketplace.
3. E-gaming Retrospective Taxation:
The Supreme Court is also set to hear a series of petitions from gaming companies challenging Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices. These notices involve a total amount of over ₹1.12 lakh crore and are being contested as retrospective taxation, which is often seen as unfair and hindering business growth. This case will determine the future of taxation within the burgeoning e-gaming industry in India, impacting both businesses and players alike.
These cases, alongside a host of other significant legal matters, highlight the crucial role that Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will play in shaping India’s legal landscape. His decisions have the potential to influence the lives of millions of Indians, making his six-month tenure a pivotal time for the Indian judiciary.
