Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Droupadi Murmu, upon the recommendation of outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment on X, noting it aligns with the constitutional provisions governing judicial appointments. Justice Khanna’s oath-taking ceremony is set for November 11, a day after Justice Chandrachud’s retirement. Known for his judicial acumen and balanced judgments, Justice Khanna will lead the judiciary during critical legal times in India.
As a Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanna has ruled on high-profile cases that resonate deeply within India’s legal and political landscape. He notably ruled against the Electoral Bonds scheme, a controversial policy that allowed anonymous political donations, arguing it compromised electoral transparency. This judgment was hailed by advocates of election integrity, given the scheme’s potential to facilitate undisclosed political funding. His rulings also extended to significant constitutional matters, such as his involvement in the decision to uphold the revocation of Article 370, the article that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, supporting the government’s stance on national integration and security.
Justice Khanna’s recent role in granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case highlighted his commitment to individual liberty. Seen as an advocate of fundamental rights, his judgments often emphasize transparency, accountability, and upholding democratic values.