Justice Sanjiv Khanna Named 51st Chief Justice of India, To Take Charge on November 11

Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the next Chief Justice of India, with his term starting on November 11, 2024. He will succeed the current CJI, D Y Chandrachud, who is set to retire on November 10. Justice Khanna will serve as the 51st Chief Justice of India and will hold office for six months until his retirement on May 13, 2025.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal made the announcement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the appointment was made by the President of India, following a recommendation by CJI Chandrachud.

Justice Khanna, currently the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, began his legal career in 1983 after enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi. He initially practiced in district courts and later moved to the Delhi High Court and tribunals. In 2005, he was elevated to the Delhi High Court as an additional judge and became a permanent judge in 2006. He has also served as Chairman of the Delhi Judicial Academy and various other legal institutions.

Justice Khanna was appointed to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019, despite not having served as the Chief Justice of any High Court, which is uncommon in judicial appointments.