Tue Nov 12 09:40:15 UTC 2024: ## New Delhi’s Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India
New Delhi – Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Justice Khanna, who succeeds Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, outlined his vision for his tenure, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring “easy access to justice” for all citizens. He pledged to address key challenges within the judicial system, including tackling case backlogs, making litigation more affordable, and simplifying legal procedures.
In his first remarks as CJI, Justice Khanna highlighted the judiciary’s role as a “constitutional guardian, protector of fundamental rights, and service provider of justice.” He underscored the need for equal treatment in judicial proceedings, stating that “justice delivery framework in terms of providing equal treatment necessitates fair opportunity to succeed to all, regardless of status, wealth or power.”
Justice Khanna’s tenure will focus on implementing reforms in criminal case management, with an emphasis on reducing trial durations and making legal processes less burdensome. He aims to make courts more “approachable and user-friendly,” and to make judgments more comprehensible to the public.
The CJI also expressed his commitment to promoting mediation and incorporating public feedback into the judicial process, aiming to improve the judiciary’s service orientation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and several dignitaries attended the swearing-in ceremony. Numerous prominent figures, including former CJIs and senior Supreme Court judges, were also present.
Following the ceremony, PM Modi extended his best wishes to Justice Khanna, while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence in the new CJI’s ability to fulfil the responsibilities of his role with distinction.
Justice Chandrachud, in a recent interview, praised Justice Khanna as an “extraordinary, seasoned judge with extensive experience in both law and administration,” expressing confidence that “the future of the institution is in safe hands.”
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