Justice Sanjeev Khanna Appointed as 51st Chief Justice of India

New Delhi- The central government has announced that Justice Sanjeev Khanna will assume the role of Chief Justice of India (CJI) starting November 11, following the retirement of the current CJI, DY Chandrachud, on November 10. This succession was officially confirmed by the Ministry of Law and Justice, which issued a notification under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, detailing that President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Khanna to the position.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal shared the news publicly, noting, "The President has appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court, as the Chief Justice of India, effective November 11, 2024." Justice Chandrachud’s recommendation of Justice Khanna, currently the second-most senior judge on the bench, marks a pivotal moment for the judiciary. Justice Khanna will serve as CJI for approximately six months, with his term set to conclude in May 2025.

Justice Khanna, born on May 14, 1960, embarked on his legal career in 1983 after joining the Delhi Bar Council. He started in district courts, later transitioning to the Delhi High Court, where he handled cases spanning constitutional, commercial, tax, company, and land law, among other domains. Over his career, he has held key roles, including as standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. In 2005, he was elevated to the Delhi High Court as an Additional Judge, becoming a Permanent Judge in 2006.

In January 2019, Justice Khanna was appointed to the Supreme Court based on the Supreme Court Collegium's merit-based recommendation, despite his ranking in national seniority. His extensive experience, spanning over four decades, places him in a crucial role as he steps into the highest judicial position in India.