The road ahead for the Chief Justice

Justice Sanjiv Khanna's appointment as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday marks a pivotal moment for the Supreme Court.

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He steps into the role at a time when the judiciary has experienced profound shifts in its approach to constitutional interpretation and judicial transparency.

His predecessor justice DY Chandrachud set a benchmark with his remarkable output of 38 Constitution bench judgments in just two years, as well as his significant role in advancing the judiciary's modernisation and digitisation agenda. He also became a prominent voice in public discourse, bridging the gap between the judiciary and society with clarity and vision.

Justice Khanna, a seasoned jurist with a balanced approach to jurisprudence, brings a unique legacy and perspective. His tenure, although short-ending on May 13, 2025 as the CJI comes at a time when the judiciary faces challenges ranging from pressing judicial reforms to preserving constitutional sanctity. These will not only test his legal acumen but also his vision for an institution that must uphold justice and freedoms in an evolving democracy.

Career on the bench

Justice Khanna started his legal career in 1983 with the Bar Council of Delhi and quickly gained prominence at the Tis Hazari district courts and later at the Delhi high court. His work ranged from constitutional and commercial law to criminal and arbitration cases, reflecting a wide grasp of India's legal framework.

He served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax department and standing counsel for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

He often appeared as an additional public prosecutor and as amicus curiae in criminal cases as well.