Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the CJI-designate, has been involved in landmark cases like the abrogation of Article 370 and the legality of electoral bonds, underscoring his significant role in shaping Indian jurisprudence. His appointment as Chief Justice follows the recommendation by current CJI D.Y. Chandrachud on October 17, symbolizing a pivotal transition in the Supreme Court’s leadership.
New Delhi: Senior-most Supreme Court judge Sanjiv Khanna set to take the oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 11, following the retirement of the current CJI, DY Chandrachud.
Justice Khanna has been instrumental in several landmark rulings that have greatly influenced the Indian judicial system, particularly concerning issues like electoral bonds and the abrogation of Article 370.
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A Legacy of Judicial Excellence
Justice Khanna hails from a distinguished family in Delhi; he is the nephew of the late HR Khanna, a former Supreme Court judge celebrated for his pivotal role in establishing the basic structure doctrine in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973.
His judicial career commenced in 2005 when he was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court. He became a permanent judge the following year and was later elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.
EVM Case Verdict
Among his notable rulings, Justice Khanna upheld the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs), emphasizing their security in preventing booth capturing and fraudulent voting, thereby reinforcing public trust in the electoral process.
A Landmark Decision on Article 370
Justice Khanna gained significant attention for his role on the five-judge bench that upheld the Indian government’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, which had conferred special status upon Jammu and Kashmir. This ruling marked a pivotal moment in Indian constitutional law, fundamentally altering the political landscape of the region.
Ruling on Electoral Bonds
Earlier this year, Justice Khanna was part of a five-judge bench that deemed the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. The bench determined that the scheme, which permitted anonymous donations to political parties, infringed upon the public’s right to information a crucial aspect of informed voting. This judgment reinforces the principles of accountability and transparency in political financing.
Granting Bail to Arvind Kejriwal
Justice Khanna also granted interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, enabling him to campaign during the Lok Sabha elections. This decision highlighted the importance of democratic engagement, affirming candidates’ rights to connect with voters despite facing legal hurdles.
Additionally, Justice Khanna played a key role in a case involving former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. He emphasized that delays in legal proceedings could serve as a legitimate basis for granting bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Currently, Justice Khanna is leading a bench that is reviewing various provisions of the PMLA, underscoring his ongoing impact on significant public interest issues related to financial governance and accountability.
Justice Khanna’s appointment as CJI follows a recommendation from CJI Chandrachud on October 17, signaling an important leadership transition within the Indian judiciary. He will oversee the extensive judicial system for just over six months, with plans to retire on May 13, 2025.
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