NEW DELHI: Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud, Indian media reported.
The new chief justice is known for his role in significant Supreme Court rulings, primarily the one related to Article 370, and electoral bonds. He will remain the Chief Justice until May 13, 2025.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath on the newly appointed chief justice. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar, and former CJ Chandrachud also attended the oath-taking ceremony.
Justice Khanna’s appointment was formally announced on October 24. The outgoing CJ Chandrachud received a warm farewell on his last working day from Supreme Court judges, lawyers, and staff, Indian media reported.
The new CJ is the son of former Delhi High Court justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of renowned former Supreme Court judge HR Khanna. Before his appointment as Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanna has served as a judge of the Delhi High Court as well.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna studied at Delhi University and held the role of executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). He also practiced law with the Delhi Bar Council.
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