Mon Nov 11 14:53:47 UTC 2024: ## New Chief Justice of India Takes Oath, Key Cases Await His Decision
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, known for his role in several historic Supreme Court judgments, has been sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Justice Khanna, 64, will serve a six-month term, retiring on May 13, 2025.
His tenure will be marked by several important cases, including the re-evaluation of the Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status and the highly debated issue of criminalizing marital rape.
**Aligarh Muslim University’s Minority Status:** Last week, the Supreme Court, in a 4-3 majority decision, overruled its 1967 judgment on AMU’s minority status, requiring a fresh evaluation based on new principles. The bench led by former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, now led by Justice Khanna, will determine the university’s status.
**Criminalization of Marital Rape:** The Supreme Court deferred the hearing on pleas seeking to criminalize marital rape in October, citing insufficient time before the retirement of former CJI Chandrachud. This case, which has sparked significant debate within society regarding the constitutional exemption for husbands under the Indian Penal Code, is now likely to be addressed by Justice Khanna.
Justice Khanna’s experience in landmark judgments, including upholding the abrogation of Article 370 and the scrapping of electoral bonds, and granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy scam case, suggests a significant role in shaping the judicial landscape during his tenure.
First Piper 