The Journey of Justice Sanjiv Khanna: 51st Chief Justice of India
Author : Komal Joshi (BBALLB 3rd Year, The ICFAI University, Dehradun)
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Early Life and Education of Justice Khanna
- Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Career Path
- Significant Judicial Contributions and Landmark Judgments
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, 51st Chief Justice of India, has garnered widespread recognition for his thoughtful legal reasoning, landmark judgments, and significant contributions to India’s legal landscape. Justice Sanjeev Khanna succeeded Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI). He assumed office as the CJI on November 9, 2024, following Justice Chandrachud’s tenure. Appointed to the top judicial post in India, Justice Khanna’s journey is a testament to his deep-rooted understanding of constitutional principles, law, and justice. His career spans multiple dimensions, from a successful advocate to a distinguished judge on the Delhi High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court of India.
Justice Khanna has been instrumental in shaping key decisions on electoral reforms, privacy laws, and judicial transparency. His leadership continues to influence Indian jurisprudence in profound ways.
2. Early Life and Education of Justice Khanna
Legal Heritage and Family Influence
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was born on May 14, 1960. Coming from a family steeped in the legal profession, Justice Khanna’s career choices were influenced by his father, Dev Ra Khanna, a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, the renowned Justice H.R. Khanna, who is remembered for his courageous dissent in the A.D.M. Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976) case. This case was pivotal in upholding the right to life and personal liberty, even during the Emergency.
While his father initially hoped he would pursue a career in chartered accountancy, it was his uncle’s principled stance in A.D.M. Jabalpur that inspired Justice Khanna to follow the path of law.
Educational Journey
Justice Khanna attended Modern School, New Delhi, for his schooling and later graduated in 1980 from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He completed his law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, where he studied alongside Justice Indu Malhotra, who would later join the Supreme Court. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his legal expertise, as he honed his skills and deepened his passion for law.
3. Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Career Path
Advocate and Legal Practitioner
Justice Khanna’s career as an advocate was diverse and highly successful. He practiced law in the Delhi High Court and built a reputation in fields such as taxation, commercial law, arbitration, medical negligence, environmental law, and company law. He represented several high-profile clients, including the Delhi Government, where he served as the Additional Public Prosecutor in criminal matters.
From 2004, Justice Khanna also served as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department of Delhi, where he was known for his sharp legal arguments and commitment to justice. His advocacy skills and deep understanding of the law set the stage for his judicial career.
Judge at Delhi High Court
On June 25, 2005, Justice Khanna was appointed as an Additional Judge at the Delhi High Court. He was later made a permanent judge on February 20, 2006. During his time in the Delhi High Court, Justice Khanna worked on various reforms within the judicial system, particularly in the areas of alternative dispute resolution and mediation. He was also involved with the Delhi Judicial Academy and the Delhi International Arbitration Centre.
Elevation to the Supreme Court
Justice Khanna’s career reached a significant milestone when he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on January 18, 2019, following a recommendation by the Collegium led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. His appointment, made by President Ramnath Kovind, marked the beginning of his impactful tenure in the country’s highest judicial body.
4. Significant Judicial Contributions and Landmark Judgments
Justice Khanna has been at the forefront of several landmark judgments, shaping critical aspects of Indian law and governance. Below are some of the most notable cases he has presided over:
Electoral Bonds Scheme Judgment (2024)
In 2024, Justice Khanna authored a concurring opinion in the case that declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional. The scheme, which was intended to allow anonymous political donations, was criticized for its lack of transparency. Justice Khanna’s judgment emphasized that while the identity of the donors may remain private, it violates the right of voters to know the sources of political funding, thus undermining transparency in elections.
Abrogation of Article 370 (2023)
In a significant 2023 judgment, Justice Khanna concurring with the majority opinion, upheld the abrogation of Article 370. He argued that Article 370 was a provision of asymmetric federalism, which did not undermine India’s federal structure. His legal reasoning provided a solid foundation for the constitutional validity of the government’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) Case (2024)
Justice Khanna was part of the bench that heard a plea seeking 100% verification of votes through Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) during elections. The bench, led by Justice Khanna, ruled in 2024 that the current EVM system was secure and transparent. He endorsed the safeguards introduced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
RTI Judgment on Judicial Independence (2019)
In the 2019 RTI judgment, Justice Khanna authored a majority opinion that upheld the Right to Information (RTI) Act’s applicability to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). His ruling stated that while judicial independence must be protected, it should not come at the expense of transparency and accountability. The judgment clarified that RTI requests related to judicial functions should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
5. Conclusion
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s career is a shining example of integrity, legal brilliance, and commitment to justice. From his early inspiration from his uncle to his diverse career as an advocate and judge, Justice Khanna’s journey has had a profound impact on India’s legal system. His contributions to significant constitutional matters, electoral reforms, judicial transparency, and human rights have cemented his legacy as one of India’s most respected jurists.
As the 51st Chief Justice of India, Justice Khanna continues to influence the trajectory of Indian law, ensuring that the judicial system remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, transparency, and justice for all.
