Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna Retires: Names Successor

Chief Justice: As he handed the reins to Justice BR Gavai this morning, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna said goodbye to his fellow justices at the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice seemed at a loss for words as he spoke to a ceremonial bench on his retirement day, but he made it obvious that he was proud of his successor.

According to CJI Khanna, the Supreme Court has gained public trust, which cannot be ordered. “I cannot express myself. I have many recollections. You stay a lawyer once you become one. The judiciary’s public trust must be earned; it cannot be ordered. The Bench and the Bar are collectively referred to as the Judiciary. He addressed the ceremonial bench, which had been assembled to honor his legacy, “Bar is the conscience keeper.”

The Chief Justice asserted that diversity aids in judicial decision-making and that judges from a variety of backgrounds join the Supreme Court.

Upcoming CJI:
Regarding his successor, he stated that his “biggest support” has been Justice BR Gavai. “You will have an excellent CJI in him. “He will protect liberty and fundamental rights,” CJI Khanna declared.

He declined to be compared to his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, who had been a Supreme Court justice during the turbulent years of 1971–1977, when he spoke to the media later that day. “HR Khanna is not someone I can compare myself to. Things were different back then. The CJI stated that he was a highly intelligent individual.

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Judicial Journey:
After being appointed an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005, Justice Khanna’s 20-year tenure as a judge comes to an end. He was appointed a permanent judge a year later. In 2019, he was promoted to the Supreme Court, and last November, he was appointed Chief Justice.

During his six years at the top court, Justice Khanna participated in some historic rulings, including the EVM-VVPAT tally issue, the decriminalization of adultery, Article 370, and the electoral bonds program.