Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna Retires, Justice BR Gavai Assumes Mantle
Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, retired from his position, bidding farewell to colleagues at the Supreme Court. During his farewell, he formally passed on the leadership to Justice BR Gavai, who will be his successor as the head of the Indian judiciary. This transition marks a significant change in the country's highest court.
Unpacked:
Justice B.R. Gavai is the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, succeeding Sanjiv Khanna. He is a senior judge of the Supreme Court of India, known for his extensive judicial experience. His appointment marks a continuation of leadership in the Indian judiciary, but details on his judicial philosophy or landmark judgments will shape his tenure.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who served as the 51st CJI for six months, was part of over 480 benches. Notable judgments include decisions on RTI and judicial independence, the Electoral Bonds Scheme, Central Vista redevelopment, and bail related to Arvind Kejriwal. His rulings balanced transparency and judicial independence, influencing both public law and private law matters.
Sanjiv Khanna served as Chief Justice of India from November 2024 until May 2025, approximately six months. The tenure of a CJI varies depending on the age of appointment since the retirement age is 65. Some serve briefly, while others may have longer tenures depending on their age at appointment.
The transition signifies a change in the leadership of India's highest judicial authority, impacting the direction of landmark legal decisions and judicial administration. The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court’s functioning, influences case assignments, and represents the judiciary, thus shaping the interpretation of laws and the judicial system's independence.