Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been nominated to become the next Chief Justice of India, following the retirement of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud on November 10, 2024. In line with the tradition of seniority, CJI Chandrachud has officially recommended Justice Khanna’s name to the government.
If the recommendation is accepted, Justice Khanna will take over as the 51st Chief Justice of India, starting his term on November 8, 2024, and serving until May 2025.
Justice Khanna has been a part of several significant rulings during his career, including being a member of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
His judicial career is marked by a steady rise through the ranks, beginning with his enrollment as an advocate in 1983. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005, later becoming a permanent Judge in 2006, and eventually elevated to the Supreme Court in January 2019.
Justice Khanna also holds important roles outside of the courtroom. He has served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Service Committee and is currently the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority. Additionally, he is a member of the Governing Council of the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal.
If his appointment is approved, Justice Khanna will guide India’s judiciary for a brief but crucial period, building on the legacy of his predecessors. All that remains now is the government’s confirmation of his nomination.
– Source sci.gov.in