India’s top court is about to see a big change, with Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud recommending Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor. With Chief Justice Chandrachud retiring on November 10, Justice Khanna is set to take over as the 51st Chief Justice of India.

• The process of choosing a new Chief Justice follows a set procedure. The government asks the outgoing Chief Justice for a recommendation, which starts the appointment process. Following the tradition of seniority in such appointments, Justice Sanjiv Khanna is next in line for the position. This decision is not just about who is next, it’s about choosing a judge with years of experience and a reputation for fairness and integrity.

Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna? /Let’s know about the new CJI: Justice Sanjiv Khanna

• Justice Khanna was born on May 14, 1960 in New Delhi. He became a lawyer in 1983 after enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi. Early in his career, he handled a wide range of legal issues, including constitutional law, taxation, commercial law, environmental law, and even medical negligence cases.
• He worked for the Income Tax Department as a senior standing counsel and represented the National Capital Territory of Delhi. He also acted as an Additional Public Prosecutor and provided legal advice to the Delhi High Court in various important cases.
• In 2005, Justice Khanna was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court and was made a Permanent Judge in 2006. His rise to the Supreme Court in January 2019 was significant because, despite being 33rd in the national seniority list of judges, he was selected for his outstanding merit and integrity by the Supreme Court Collegium.

Key Contributions and Landmark Cases

• Justice Khanna has been part of several important rulings. He was a member of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir's special status. This decision was one of the most significant in recent times and showed his ability to handle complex constitutional matters.
• He also led the bench that granted interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, allowing him to campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His role in politically sensitive cases has highlighted his fair and balanced approach.

Looking Forward

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is expected to serve as Chief Justice of India until May 13, 2025. His experience and deep understanding of the law make him well-prepared to lead the Supreme Court. Throughout his career, Justice Khanna has been recognized for his strong principles and dedication to justice.

As he prepares to take over, Justice Khanna’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and strength of India’s judiciary. His journey from a lawyer in Delhi to becoming the Chief Justice of India shows his dedication to upholding the law and serving the people.

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