Today, On 13th May, Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy gave an emotional farewell to CJI Sanjiv Khanna, saying, “This week, two great sons of India are retiring, Virat Kohli and milord the Chief Justice,” highlighting his integrity, courage, and constitutional commitment.
Senior lawyers, judges, and law officers gathered in Court Hall 1 of the Supreme Court of India to give an emotional and respectful farewell to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who retired from office today.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was filled with admiration and gratitude as many described CJI Khanna as a symbol of honesty, patience, and integrity.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy made a heartfelt comparison between CJI Khanna and cricketer Virat Kohli, who also retired this week.
She said,
“This week, two great sons of India are retiring. Virat Kohli and milord the Chief Justice. On a serious note, for your spine, your integrity, for writing for secularism, for writing for the freedom of worship and for writing for the Constitution – you made it clear that integrity is the value that matters most and that is what is needed to defend the Constitution.”
The ceremonial Bench was presided over by CJI Khanna himself, joined by Justices BR Gavai and PV Sanjay Kumar, who also praised him for his dedicated work and leadership.
Justice BR Gavai, who is set to take over as the next Chief Justice, shared his thoughts about CJI Khanna’s contributions both as a judge and administrator. He said,
“In both judicial pronouncements and administrative decisions he has left a legacy of his own … The decision of this court to upload assets and liabilities of the judges shows his penchant for transparency. He is a gentleman to the core in every sense. His humility and calm demeanour has always stood out.”
Justice Gavai also remembered the famous uncle of CJI Khanna, Justice HR Khanna, who was once denied the post of Chief Justice because of his strong stand on civil liberties during the Emergency.
Justice Gavai pointed out that,
“CJI Khanna sat in the very courtroom for a long time where Justice HR Khanna held court.”
Justice PV Sanjay Kumar praised the memory power and commitment of CJI Khanna.
He said,
“He has never made notes. It all comes from his memory. Para number, pages, etc. and all hard-hitting questions, which comes from his memory. He has unyielding patience with lawyers who do not prepare the case. After 20 years on the Bench, to have that patience is praiseworthy. His sincerity impressed anyone. Whether judicial or administrative, he pursued with dedication. As an HC judge, my view was narrow and pedantic. With him, I learnt pragmatism.”
Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani, also praised the simplicity and strength of CJI Khanna’s judgments.
He stated,
“CJI Khanna has added immense value to the functioning of the court … You have underscored liberty on an everyday basis. You found that institutional integrity is paramount and your departure cannot be easily filled up.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made an emotional reference to the legacy of Justice HR Khanna, saying, “Justice HR Khanna would have been very proud of you today.”
SG Mehta admired CJI Khanna’s fair and kind behaviour in court and said,
“I had an occasion to appear in many branches of law before you and I have been enriched by new points said by you every time. As lawyers, we never felt we were not heard. You gave us such a patient hearing. Your judgments since High Court days … till the last Constitution bench … has been crisp and short and differentiated between Judicial decision and thesis. Justice HR Khanna would have been very proud today.”
Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, also spoke with great warmth.
He said,
“You are the beacon light for those who follow you. Your courage, your transparency, your ability to grasp the point and your effort to ask juniors to argue, can never be forgotten. You are like that streak in the sky which comes rarely. You symbolise the best in the judge. You are the one who sets standards. God speed, and I know you have a sense of relief. But we will miss you.”
Vipin Nair, President of Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA), also appreciated CJI Khanna’s strength during tough times.
He said,
“It is a testament to the fact that DNA of courage can be passed down from one judicial generation to the next. You have steadied the ship when high stake matters came up in the last few months.”
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju admired CJI Khanna’s firm and calm approach during difficult cases and said,
“I read an article that you judged quietly and in trials by fire. I could not agree more. In the Kejriwal case, you carved out a new path for bail jurisprudence. I behold the judgment, even though it was against me.”
Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran said,
“You have shown proof of the pudding is in the judging.”
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh recalled a powerful moment when CJI Khanna made a comment on neutrality.
He said,
“Your statement that when we sit on the bench we lose our religion was hailed all across. It was a powerful statement.”
Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde gave his best wishes:,
“Go well, sir. Go in peace. May health, prosperity always be on your side.”
Senior Advocate Vibha Datta Makhija appreciated CJI Khanna’s leadership and efforts to make the court more transparent.
She said,
“The Bar is totally grateful to you for leading from the front. We hold your lordships in the highest of esteem for the firefighting done. This was done by introducing transparency. Nobody has any complaints and only appreciation.”
Senior Advocate AM Singhvi praised CJI Khanna’s friendly interaction with the Bar, while Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave said he strengthened the Supreme Court both in judicial work and administration.
Senior Advocates Adish C Aggarwala, Shadan Farasat, and Prashanta Chandra Sen also shared their thoughts. Aggarwala thanked CJI Khanna for engaging with new judges and said,
“Thank you for interacting with the judges to be appointed, as you did as a part of the collegium.”
To this, CJI Khanna replied with a smile, “Not interview…. Interaction.”
Farasat remarked, “We never felt intimidated before you.”
Chandra Sen spoke about the judicial history of CJI Khanna’s family and said,
“All speak about the dissent by Justice HR Khanna … but there was Mr. Sarb Dyal Khanna, father of Justice HR Khanna, who had dissented in Amritsar municipal committee.. This shows the legacy you come from.”
CJI Khanna shared a fond memory and replied,
“He was perhaps the living force in the family. Not many remember him. He used to call his all grand children. He always told no child will bring books and by interaction we will have the best of experience.”
Also Read: CJI Sanjiv Khanna: “Won’t Be Hearing Cases That Require Reserving Verdicts”
CJI Khanna ended his farewell speech by sharing how much he valued the trust and respect of the people. He said,
“I am speechless. I carry a lot of memories. Once you are a lawyer you remain a lawyer. The public trust which judiciary has, cannot be commanded and has to be earned. Judiciary is a common term which represents Bench and the Bar. Bar is the conscious keeper. Different judges come here with different backgrounds and that aids judicial decision making.”
As a final message, he expressed his faith in his successor Justice Gavai. He said,
“Justice Gavai has been my biggest support and in him you have a great CJI and he will uphold the fundamental rights and liberty.”
The farewell event turned into a heartfelt celebration of a judge who, like his uncle, left a strong mark on the Supreme Court. CJI Sanjiv Khanna retires with many fond memories, leaving behind a legacy of courage, honesty, and quiet strength.
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