Justice Khanna set to take oath as 51st CJI today

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to take the oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday in a ceremony presided over by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

- Utkarsh Anand

The ceremony, scheduled for 10am, marks a new chapter for India's judiciary as justice Khanna succeeds justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, who retired on November 10 after a distinguished two-year tenure, marked by significant judicial advancements, especially in deciding constitutional matters, technological modemisation and accessibility.

The Union government announced justice Khanna's appointment on October 24, 2024, a week after justice Chandrachud formally recommended him as his successor, in line with constitutional norms.

Speaking to HT on Saturday, justice Chandrachud expressed confidence in justice Khanna's ability to lead the judiciary forward, describing him as an "extraordinary, seasoned judge with extensive experience in both law and administration". Justice Chandrachud shared his assurance that "the future of the institution is in safe hands", underlining his confidence in justice Khanna's commitment to upholding justice, integrity, and the rule of law.

Justice Khanna's judicial career spans over four decades. Enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983, he started his practice in the Tis Hazari district courts of