Next CJI of India: Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become India’s 51st Chief Justice on November 11, 2024. His tenure, though brief at six months, will make a significant impact before his retirement on May 13, 2025. His tenure will be the second shortest among upcoming Chief Justices, with only Justice B.V. Nagarathna’s 36-day term in 2027 expected to be shorter.
Justice Khanna will take on the challenge of addressing a high backlog of over 82,000 cases in the Supreme Court. This backlog includes pivotal cases involving the constitutionality of sedition laws, the Speaker’s authority in disqualification proceedings, and a review of the Sabarimala temple issue. Other major cases awaiting his attention include those on the marital rape exception, the process of appointing Election Commission members, and the legality of the recent Bihar caste census.
Justice Khanna will inherit a modernized Supreme Court from his predecessor, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who retires on November 10. Under CJI Chandrachud’s leadership, the Court introduced e-filing systems, an online access pass system, and live streaming of all courtroom proceedings, setting a strong technological foundation for Justice Khanna.
As Chief Justice, Justice Khanna will also chair the Supreme Court Collegium, responsible for recommending judicial appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts. During his tenure, he is expected to lead the Collegium in appointing four new judges to the Supreme Court.
As he prepares for this critical role, we take a closer look at his career, his notable judgments, and what his leadership may bring to the Court.
Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna? Overview
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 14th May, 1960 |
| Advocate Enrollment | Enrolled with Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 |
| Early Practice | Practiced in District Courts (Tis Hazari Complex), later in Delhi High Court and various tribunals |
| Notable Roles (Before Judiciary) | Senior Standing Counsel for Income Tax Department; Standing Counsel (Civil) for NCT of Delhi; Additional Public Prosecutor; Amicus Curiae in Delhi High Court |
| Delhi High Court | Elevated as Additional Judge in 2005, Permanent Judge in 2006 |
| Supreme Court of India | Elevated as Judge on 18th January, 2019 |
| Committee Roles | Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Service Committee (17th June 2023 – 25th December 2023) |
| Current Positions | Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority; Member of Governing Council, National Judicial Academy, Bhopal |
| Retirement Date | 13th May, 2025 |
Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud had earlier recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna for the CJI role, following established protocols for such appointments. This transition is an important milestone for India’s judiciary, as Justice Khanna steps forward to assume this prestigious role.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna will officially take his oath on November 11, just a day after Justice Chandrachud retires upon reaching the age of 65.
Justice Chandrachud was appointed as CJI on November 8, 2022. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, shared the announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming the government’s approval of Justice Khanna’s appointment. Justice Khanna previously served as a judge in the Delhi High Court, a position once held by his father, Dev Raj Khanna.
