New Delhi Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), while President Droupadi Murmu took the oath of office at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President Droupadi Murmu in a group photo with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CJI Sanjiv Khanna, outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal during the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), on Monday in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. (ANI PHOTO)
In his first remarks as CJI, Justice Khanna underlined the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring “easy access to justice” for all citizens, while expressing his commitment to addressing long-standing challenges within the Indian legal system, including he emphasized the need to tackle case backlogs, make litigation affordable and simplify complex legal procedures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and senior judges of the Supreme Court – Justices Bhushan R Gavai and Surya Kant, and some former CJIs including Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud – were present. to witness the occasion. Justice Khanna, who took oath in the name of God in English, succeeds Justice Chandrachud, who completed his term on November 10.
In a statement released by the Supreme Court on Monday evening, Justice Khanna expressed his commitment to judicial integrity and accessibility. He expressed his honor as leader of “the third wing of democracy” and emphasized the essential role of the judiciary as “constitutional custodian, protector of fundamental rights and provider of justice.” He underlined that “the judiciary is an integral, yet separate and independent part of the system of governance,” affirming its role in ensuring equal justice and protection of citizens’ rights.
Judge Khanna, whose term runs until May 13, 2025, outlined the key challenges he aims to address, particularly the need to reduce case backlogs, streamline legal processes and increase the affordability of cases. “It is our constitutional duty to guarantee all citizens of our great nation easy access to justice,” he stressed, citing accessible and efficient justice as a core mission for his term.
The CJI also spoke about the importance of equal treatment in judicial proceedings, stating that “the framework for justice in terms of providing equal treatment requires fair opportunities for success for all, regardless of status, wealth or power.” He emphasized his commitment to “just and impartial justice,” positioning the judiciary as a crucial protector and equalizer for all citizens.
Judge Khanna’s roadmap includes introducing reforms in the management of criminal cases, especially by reducing trial duration. Focusing on making legal processes less burdensome, the statement underlined that courts should be “approachable and user-friendly”.
“Making judgments understandable to citizens and promoting mediation will be a priority,” the statement said, expressing his commitment to demystifying legal proceedings for the public.
Reflecting his citizen-centric approach, Judge Khanna plans to adopt a self-assessment model that responds to public feedback. He stated: “The responsibility entrusted to us reaffirms our commitment as protectors of citizens’ rights and as resolvers of disputes,” pledging to improve the service orientation of the judiciary through continuous refinement.
After the ceremony in the morning, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes and posted on My best wishes for his tenure.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also offered his congratulations and acknowledged the heavy responsibility that comes with the position. “The position of the Chief Justice of India would undoubtedly carry a lot of weight on his shoulders because of the extensive scrutiny and expectations that the office entails,” Kharge wrote of X. He expressed confidence in Justice Khanna’s experience and ability to meet the demands of justice. the responsibilities of his role with distinction.
Justice Khanna took his seat in the first bench of the Supreme Court on Monday afternoon, accompanied by Justice PV Sanjay Kumar. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi congratulated him saying, “I wish you a fruitful tenure as CJI.”
Justice Khanna’s appointment was officially announced on October 24, following Justice Chandrachud’s formal recommendation a week ago.
In an interview with HT on Saturday, Justice Chandrachud praised Justice Khanna, calling him an “extraordinary, seasoned judge with extensive experience in both law and administration”. Justice Chandrachud expressed confidence in Justice Khanna’s commitment to uphold justice and integrity and said that “the future of the institution is in safe hands.”
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