Justice Sanjiv Khanna Profile: Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will become the new Chief Justice, replacing CJI Chandrachud?

New Delhi : Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is going to retire next month. In such a situation, he/she has sent a recommendation to the Center to make Sanjeev Khanna, the second most senior Justice in the Supreme Court, as CJI. On November 10, DY Chandrachud is retiring from the post of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. On the basis of seniority, Justice Khanna will take over as CJI in his/her place. Justice Sanjiv Khanna is expected to hold the post till his/her retirement on May 13, 2025. In this way, his/her tenure as CJI will be for about six months. Know who is Justice Sanjeev Khanna.

CJI Chandrachud recommends Justice Khanna

On October 12, the central government had sent a letter to CJI Chandrachud, requesting him/her to name his/her successor. DY Chandrachud took charge as Chief Justice on November 9, 2022. As per tradition, the Law Ministry writes to the CJI about a month before his/her retirement, seeking the name of his/her successor. After this, the present CJI gives his/her reply by sending recommendations to the ministry. Following the recommendation of the current CJI, the government is expected to soon issue a notification appointing Justice Khanna as the next CJI from November 11.

Who is Justice Sanjeev Khanna?

Justice Sanjiv Khanna has had a distinguished legal career reflecting his/her experience and significant contributions to the judicial landscape of India. he/she got registered with Delhi Bar Council in 1983. It was from here that he/she started his/her legal journey. Initially, before going to Delhi High Court, Justice Khanna used to practice in the district courts located at Tis Hazari.

Practice experience in these areas

Justice Sanjiv Khanna practiced in diverse fields including constitutional law, arbitration, commercial law, company law and criminal law. he/she worked as Senior Standing Counsel in the Income Tax Department. Later assumed responsibility as Standing Counsel (Civil) for National Capital Territory of Delhi. his/her expertise was also in criminal law. he/she argued many cases in the Delhi High Court as Additional Public Prosecutor. Often acted as amicus curiae to assist the Delhi High Court in important cases.

Took important responsibility in Delhi High Court

Justice Khanna was elevated as Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005. In 2006 he/she became a permanent judge. During his/her tenure, he/she also contributed to the Delhi Judicial Academy, Delhi International Arbitration Center and District Court Arbitration Centres. Justice Khanna’s career continued to progress rapidly. he/she did not serve as Chief Justice of any High Court before his/her appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court in January 2019.

Justice Khanna was involved in these important decisions

Justice Khanna has made historical contribution in the Supreme Court. Notably, he/she granted interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, allowing him/her to campaign during the Lok Sabha elections. In this he/she underlined the importance of democratic participation. In another important judgment involving former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, he/she emphasized that delay in PMLA cases can be a valid ground for bail. Justice Khanna is currently chairing a bench reviewing various PMLA provisions, an indication of his/her ongoing impact on matters of vital public interest.

Justice Khanna also led the bench that rejected the request for 100% VVPAT verification of votes cast in electronic voting machines (EVMs). The April 2024 decision acknowledged the measures taken by the Election Commission of India to ensure the accuracy and integrity of elections.

Justice Khanna was also part of the five-judge bench that declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional earlier this year. Justice Khanna was also part of the five-judge bench that upheld the decision to abrogate Article 370. Stipulating that this article, however, is a unique aspect of the federal structure of India. However, does not indicate sovereignty for Jammu and Kashmir. With a rich background in various areas of law and dedication to judicial service, Justice Khanna will retire on May 13, 2025.