India welcomes its new Chief Justice! Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a veteran legal mind, is set to assume the prestigious role of the 51st Chief Justice of India. He will be sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi on Monday, 10th July, 2023. Justice Khanna takes over the mantle from the retiring Chief Justice Dhannajay Yashwant Chandrachud, who served his final day on Sunday. Justice Khanna’s tenure is anticipated to be six months.
Justice Khanna’s journey to the pinnacle of the Indian judiciary is a testament to his dedication and expertise. Born on May 14, 1960, he embarked on his legal career in 1983 by joining the Delhi Bar Council as an advocate. His journey is marked by a deep understanding of various legal domains, including constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law.
Beyond private practice, Justice Khanna played a pivotal role in public service. He served as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department, representing the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This role provided him with valuable experience in handling complex legal matters related to tax law. Additionally, he served as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi in 2004.
Justice Khanna’s expertise also extends to criminal law. He has argued numerous criminal cases at the Delhi High Court, acting as both an Additional Public Prosecutor and an amicus curiae. This multifaceted experience has broadened his legal understanding and contributed to his strong legal foundation.
His judicial journey began in 2005 when he was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court. He was elevated to a permanent judge in 2006. During his time at the Delhi High Court, Justice Khanna took on various important roles, including the position of Chairman/Judge-in-charge of the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres. These positions provided him with valuable administrative experience and a deep understanding of the judicial system.
In 2019, Justice Khanna’s exceptional legal abilities earned him a seat on the Supreme Court. Notably, he is among a select few judges who have been elevated to the Supreme Court even before becoming the Chief Justice of any High Court. This appointment showcases his remarkable contributions and his standing in the legal fraternity.
As Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumes the role of Chief Justice of India, the nation looks forward to his leadership and commitment to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. His extensive experience, combined with his keen understanding of various legal fields, positions him well to guide the Indian judiciary in the years to come.
