In a key development, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud has nominated Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor, setting the stage for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. Justice Khanna, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, is poised to take over after CJI Chandrachud’s retirement on November 10, 2024.
Justice Khanna, who is next in line based on seniority, will serve as the 51st Chief Justice of India and is expected to hold office until his retirement on May 13, 2025, giving him a six-month tenure in the prestigious role. As per protocol, CJI Chandrachud submitted the recommendation to the Union government earlier this week, following a formal letter from the government on October 12, requesting the nomination of his successor.
According to sources familiar with the process, CJI Chandrachud handed over a copy of the letter to Justice Khanna on Wednesday morning, officially beginning the transition. The law ministry will soon issue a notification formalizing Justice Khanna’s appointment as CJI, with effect from November 11.
The nomination follows the well-established convention that dictates the appointment of the senior-most judge deemed fit for the role. Justice Chandrachud, who took office as CJI in November 2022, adhered to the tradition, ensuring a smooth succession for the country’s highest judicial office.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Justice Khanna’s career spans over four decades, marked by significant contributions to constitutional law, arbitration, and criminal law. He enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and initially practiced in the Tis Hazari district courts before advancing to the Delhi High Court. His roles as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax department and standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi are notable highlights of his early career. Additionally, he has frequently served as amicus curiae in important legal matters, further showcasing his legal acumen.
In 2005, Justice Khanna was elevated to the Delhi High Court as an additional judge, and within a year, he became a permanent judge. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to various judicial bodies, including the Delhi Judicial Academy and the Delhi International Arbitration Centre.
A unique aspect of Justice Khanna’s judicial journey is that he did not serve as the Chief Justice of any High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in January 2019, a testament to his expertise and standing in the legal community.
As he prepares to assume the role of CJI, Justice Khanna is expected to carry forward the legacy of his predecessors while contributing his own vision to the Indian judiciary’s evolution.
