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Justice Sanjiv Khanna has taken over as the 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, succeeding the outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, after an Oath Taking Ceremony administered by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on the 11th November’ 2024. As a part of an illustrious career in the legal profession, Justice Khanna has dealt with various crucial legal matters starting from the Electoral Bonds Case related to the collection of anonymous monetary donations by the political parties for contesting elections to the Issue of Abrogation of Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Also, throughout the year, Justice Khanna has been a part of important benches in the Supreme Court of India that has delivered important judgments starting from those related to elections, bail, and personal property.
A brief background of Justice Sanjeev Khanna’s Judicial Career
Justice Khanna got enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983, and thereafter began his practice in the District Courts at Tis Hazari, New Delhi, before expanding his reach to the Delhi High Court and various tribunals. His legal practice was marked by his versatility in handling important cases across diverse fields of law such as constitutional law, taxation, commercial law, environmental law, and medical negligence.
His distinguished career in the Judiciary was further highlighted by his tenure of serving as a Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department, a post which he held for several years. In 2004, he was appointed Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, adding another layer of experience to his legal repertoire.
Justice Khanna also made his mark in criminal law, having argued several high-profile cases at the Delhi High Court. His role as an Additional Public Prosecutor and as an amicus curiae in several matters reinforced his broad understanding of the law, particularly in cases involving complex legal and constitutional issues.
Elevation to the Higher levels of the Judiciary
In 2005 Justice Khanna’s judicial journey began when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court. Finally, he got elevated as a Judge in 2006.
Justice Khanna was appointed as the Chairman in several key judicial bodies, including the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres, where his leadership had helped to enhance the quality of legal education and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Finally, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on January 18, 2019 marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career, where he would be called upon to handle the most important legal issues facing the nation.
Justice Khanna’s Tenure at the Supreme Court of India
On assuming charge as a Judge at the Supreme Court of India, Justice Khanna was left behind with several high-profile cases, among which almost 82,498 cases are currently pending before the Supreme Court.
A significant portion of Justice Khanna's work has been centered around constitutional matters. His role in addressing critical issues such as the sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code) has already earned him widespread attention.
Additionally, Justice Khanna’s bench is also set to resolve the politically charged issue of caste-based surveys, initiated by the Government of Bihar which is currently being contested. This matter, which touches on the intersection of social justice, politics, and constitutional law, is expected to receive the careful and nuanced attention that Justice Khanna is known for.
Other important Cases remaining for Justice Khanna’s Intervention-
Justice Khanna’s docket continues to be dominated by constitutional cases of national significance. Among the most challenging ones, which include the 2018 Sabarimala judgment that called for allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. This ruling ignited a national debate on religious rights and gender equality, and the outcome of the review petitions before Justice Khanna’s bench will have profound implications for the intersection of religion, gender, and law.
Another contentious issue that lies ahead is the Electoral Commissioners Act of 2023, which has sparked debates over the independence of the Election Commission. This law, which empowers the executive to appoint election commissioners, is seen by some as a threat to the impartiality of electoral bodies. The Court’s judgment on this matter could determine the future of electoral independence in India.
Justice Sanjeev Khanna’s career is a remarkable narrative of legal excellence and judicial integrity, spanning decades of service across various facets of law. From his early days as a practicing advocate to his current position as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Khanna has shaped the legal landscape of India with a deep commitment to justice and the rule of law.
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