After his formal appointment by the Union government, Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, who had recommended him as his successor in line with constitutional norms. With a distinguished four-decade long judicial career, Justice Khanna is set to serve a short six-month tenure before his retirement in May 2025.
Chief Justice of India: A Transition from Chandrachud to Khanna
On November 28, 2022, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India. This marked a significant transition in the leadership of the Indian judiciary.
Background
Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, who held the post of Chief Justice from November 2022 to November 2022, is widely recognized for his innovative approach to jurisprudence and his commitment to social justice. During his tenure, the Supreme Court delivered several landmark judgments, including the decriminalization of homosexuality and the recognition of the rights of transgender individuals.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna: New Era Begins
Justice Khanna is a highly respected jurist with over four decades of judicial experience. He previously served as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and has a reputation for his meticulous and independent approach. As the new Chief Justice, he is expected to continue to uphold the principles of judicial independence and protect the rights and liberties of all citizens.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When did Justice Khanna take oath as Chief Justice?
Justice Khanna took oath as the Chief Justice of India on November 28, 2022.
2. Who recommended Justice Khanna as his successor?
Justice DY Chandrachud, the outgoing Chief Justice, recommended Justice Khanna as his successor in accordance with constitutional norms.
3. How long will Justice Khanna serve as Chief Justice?
Justice Khanna will serve a six-month term as Chief Justice, retiring in May 2025.
4. What is Justice Khanna's judicial legacy?
Justice Khanna is known for his meticulous and independent approach to jurisprudence, prioritizing the protection of individual rights and the rule of law.
5. What are some of Justice Chandrachud's notable accomplishments as Chief Justice?
Justice Chandrachud's tenure as Chief Justice was marked by several landmark judgments, including the decriminalization of homosexuality, the recognition of transgender rights, and the expansion of judicial oversight over government actions.
Conclusion
The transition from Justice Chandrachud to Justice Khanna as Chief Justice of India represents a continuation of the judiciary's commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of all citizens. Justice Khanna's appointment underscores the judiciary's independence and the vital role it plays in ensuring the rule of law and social justice in India.
A political controversy has emerged during the Bihar assembly elections after VVPAT slips were found dumped near a college in Samastipur. The Chief Election Commissioner has clarified that the slips were used in mock polls and did not affect the actual voting process. However, the RJD and Congress have raised questions about the conduct of the election and an on-the-spot investigation has been ordered.
In a shocking incident, a large number of VVPAT slips were found scattered on the roadside in Bihar's Samastipur district. The Election Commission swiftly took action and suspended an assistant returning officer for negligence, along with filing a FIR against him. The DM has been asked to inquire into the matter and an investigation has been launched. Though the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised, the incident has raised serious concerns about the security and transparency of elections in India.
A clash broke out between West Bengal Police and Border Security Force (BSF) over the seizure of a smuggled consignment of banned syrup, phensedyl, in Nadia district. Three police personnel were injured and one BSF jawan was detained in the incident. However, senior officers from both sides were able to resolve the misunderstanding and the detained BSF jawan was released. BSF and police assure cooperation in serving national interests.
Leaders of the opposition Congress party in the Indian state of Goa have launched a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), slamming them for their failure to ensure law and order in the wake of multiple murders, including that of activist Umakant Khote. The Congress leaders called for an emergency assembly session to address what they termed a "complete breakdown of policing and governance," citing a string of violent incidents as evidence of a systemic failure. According to the opposition, Goa's reputation as a peaceful tourist destination has been tarnished by a rise in crime and corruption, worsened by economic struggles that have left locals vulnerable to land grabs by private developers.
The Goa government, under CM Pramod Sawant, has granted two district magistrates the power to invoke the National Security Act for a period of three months. The move comes after a spate of incidents involving organised crime in the state and the police's request for preventive arrest powers. This decision is likely to spark controversy as the NSA allows for detention without formal charges or trial for up to 12 months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to campaign in Bihar, warning voters of the potential dangers of an opposition alliance led by the RJD and the Congress. He claims that the people fear a 'katta raj' (the rule of guns) if this alliance wins the upcoming state election. Modi also criticizes the RJD's campaign tactics, stating that they are promoting violence and crime. He urges the people to choose the NDA regime instead, which he says will promote development and progress rather than violence.
Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision campaign by the Election Commission in Goa, schools and colleges are facing severe disruptions in their operations due to the deployment of crucial administrative and support staff for voter verification duties. This move has left educational institutions struggling with a severe manpower shortage, affecting day-to-day academic and administrative operations. Manpower crisis intensified as the Education Department refused to issue approvals for hiring temporary replacements, signaling a potential administrative paralysis in the state's education system.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has announced that the Winter Session of Parliament will be held from December 1 to 19, 2025, after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu. Rijiju expressed hope for a constructive and meaningful session that will serve the aspirations of the people and strengthen democracy. This session will be an important opportunity for the government to address key issues and concerns of the citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched four new Vande Bharat Express trains, including the fastest one on the Banaras-Khajuraho route. The train, operated by the Northern Railway, will cover 443 km in 7.40 hours with seven AC chair cars and one executive AC char car. The route connects important pilgrimage and heritage towns, and will also stop at other religious and cultural destinations.
Indian security forces successfully thwarted a possible infiltration attempt by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. The encounter, which took place in the Keran sector, resulted in the elimination of two terrorists. The joint operation, launched on November 7, was based on intelligence inputs and is still ongoing as search operations continue. The Chinar Corps has issued a statement confirming the development and urging readers to refrain from making any derogatory comments in response.