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.
The Rajya Sabha was thrown into chaos on Monday as BJP president JP Nadda accused Congress of being a "tool" of foreign forces and trying to destabilize India. In response, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the claims as lies and stated that his party is committed to upholding India's democratic values. The tensions between the two parties led to multiple adjournments in the Upper House, with Nadda demanding a discussion on links between Sonia Gandhi and the Soros-founded think tank.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its second list of candidates for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, signaling a strategic revamp in its approach. This includes replacing tickets for 15 sitting MLAs and introducing new faces, aimed at revitalizing the party's image and addressing evolving voter sentiments. The party has also strategically fielded candidates for BJP-held seats and embraced political lineage by nominating sons of sitting MLAs for two constituencies. This move reflects AAP's effort to reclaim key constituencies and secure a win in the upcoming elections.
The BJP has announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Odisha, after the resignation of several members. The Election Commission has announced the polling date to be on December 20, with the results to be declared on the same day. The BJP has fielded Ryaga Krishnaiah from Andhra Pradesh, Rekha Sharma from Haryana, and Sujeet Kumar from Odisha, and will be facing opposition from other parties for the vacant seats.
The political turmoil in South Korea escalates as President Yoon Suk Yeol is named as a subject in a criminal investigation for his failed attempt to impose martial law. The President's former defense minister has been arrested, and his interior minister has resigned. Despite surviving an impeachment vote, President Yoon will be excluded from his duties before eventually stepping down, according to the leader of his own party. This has sparked condemnation from opposition lawmakers and led to thousands of people rallying for the President's impeachment and arrest. As the nation deals with the fallout, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will manage affairs and prepare an exit plan for President Yoon, who will not be involved in any state affairs before his departure. This crisis threatens to damage South Korea's reputation as a democratic success story and has plunged the economy into uncertainty.
After a 10-day sprint across government-held territory, Syrian rebels have toppled 50 years of Assad family rule. Reports state that Assad has fled the country for an undisclosed location, with looting and celebrations breaking out in Damascus. The Prime Minister has called on citizens to protect public institutions as the country transitions to a new government.
After South Korea's ruling party walks out of the national assembly, a qualified vote on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol fails due to lack of required votes. The opposition Democratic Party plans to propose a new impeachment bill on December 11, after Yeol's failed declaration of martial law and the ruling party's claim that he agreed to depart from office early. The failure to hold a qualified vote on this critical issue has raised concerns about the country's democratic process.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav boldly states that the party will not form an alliance and will contest on all 70 seats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls. Yadav also criticizes both the AAP and BJP for their "misgovernance" and promises that the party will elect a leader after winning. Congress has appointed Priyavrat Singh as the "war room" chairman for the polls, as they aim to regain power after losing in the past two elections. Preparations have also begun for the BJP and AAP as they gear up for the highly competitive election.
During a pivotal technical discussion at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, Sikkim Chief Minister CM Tamang emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and infrastructure to unlock the North East's vast potential as a premier tourism destination. He also called for collaborative initiatives to address unique challenges and capitalize on strengths in order to contribute to a developed India. The discussion, which included dignitaries and stakeholders such as Union Minister for DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, resulted in a shared commitment to transform the region into a hub of prosperity. In addition, CM Tamang praised the Symposium on Uniform Civil Code and made significant announcements at the Former Legislators Federation of Sikkim's 21st foundation day celebration.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the successful rehabilitation of Cheetahs which became extinct from Asia and India 100 years ago. As part of the Cheetah Project in Madhya Pradesh, two male Cheetahs, Agni and Vayu, have been released in the open forest area of Kuno National Park. This marks a major step towards the success of the project and is expected to boost tourism in the state. Additionally, Yadav also announced the approval of a new tiger reserve, making Madhya Pradesh the state with the highest number of tigers in India.
Akashdeep Gill, who was arrested for his role in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, has disclosed important information during his interrogation, including his use of a labourer's mobile hotspot to avoid being tracked. The labourer, identified as Balwinder, has been crucial in helping the crime branch investigate the case. The former Maharashtra minister was killed outside his son's office building and the police have since arrested 25 suspects, but Akashdeep's mobile phone is still missing, which could hold crucial evidence in the case.