Chief Justice of India: Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) by taking oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024. He succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and will serve a tenure of 183 days until his retirement. The CJI plays a pivotal role in the Indian judiciary, overseeing the Supreme Court and ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system. Keep on reading to more about the Chief Justice of India here.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna as 51st Chief Justice of India

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to serve as 51st CJI for a short yet impactful period of 183 days, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud were also present in the ceremony.

Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna?

Known for his balanced judgments and deep understanding of constitutional law, his tenure is expected to focus on significant cases and judicial reforms. His role as the CJI also includes facilitating smooth coordination among the judiciary, the executive, and the legislative branches of government. Here’s what you should know about the 51st Chief Justice of India:

• Early Career: Born on 14th May, 1960, Justice Sanjiv Khanna began his legal career in 1983, joining the Bar Council of Delhi. He initially practiced in the district courts at Tis Hazari before moving to the Delhi High Court and various tribunals.

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• Roles in Tax and Government Cases: He served as the senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department for several years. In 2004, he was appointed the standing counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Justice Khanna also represented the Delhi government in criminal cases as an additional public prosecutor and assisted the court as amicus curiae in several cases.
• High Court Appointment: In 2005, he was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court and became a permanent judge in 2006. During his tenure, he held key roles, including chairman/judge-in-charge of the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.
• Leadership in Legal Services: From June 17 to December 25, 2023, Justice Khanna served as chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Service Committee. He currently holds the position of executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and is a member of the Governing Council of the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal.

Key Details About the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) holds the highest judicial position in the country and is responsible for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Supreme Court of India. This section provides an overview of the appointment process, eligibility criteria, oath of office, and the duties and powers associated with the role of the CJI.

Who Appoints the Chief Justice of India?

The President of India appoints the Chief Justice of India. The appointment generally follows the seniority principle and includes recommendations from the outgoing CJI. Here are the key points in the appointment process:

• The CJI is appointed by the President of India.
• The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is typically considered for the role.
• Recommendations from the outgoing CJI play a significant role in the appointment.

Also Read: Who was the First Female Chief Justice of India?

Eligibility to Become Chief Justice of India

To qualify as the Chief Justice of India, a candidate must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the individual has the necessary judicial experience and commitment to uphold the Constitution.

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Must have served as a Judge of a High Court for at least five years or practiced as an advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years.
• Usually, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is chosen as the CJI.

Oath of Office

Upon appointment, the Chief Justice of India takes an oath administered by the President of India. This oath underscores the CJI’s commitment to uphold the Constitution and the responsibilities of the judicial office.

• The CJI takes an oath administered by the President of India.
• The oath includes a commitment to uphold the Constitution and carry out the judicial duties faithfully.
• It reflects the CJI’s pledge to uphold laws and judicial integrity.

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Duties and Powers of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India has extensive responsibilities that impact the judiciary and constitutional governance. These duties encompass judicial administration, case allocation, and significant influence over judicial appointments.

• Heads the Supreme Court of India and oversees its functioning.
• Allocates judicial work and forms benches for specific case hearings.
• Plays a crucial role in judicial appointments and transfers within the judiciary.
• Serves as a key advisor to the government on constitutional and legal matters.
• Article 128: The CJI may, with the consent of the President, request a qualified person to act as a judge of the Supreme Court, such as:
  • A former Supreme Court judge.
  • A former High Court judge who is qualified for appointment to the Supreme Court.

These roles and responsibilities make the CJI an influential figure in the Indian judiciary, ensuring both the integrity of legal processes and the safeguarding of constitutional rights.

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