Today On 07 May, In a significant moment before his retirement, CJI Sanjiv Khanna paid a farewell visit to President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by his wife Asha Khanna and family. As the country navigates through national security concerns, Justice B.R. Gavai is all set to take the oath as the next Chief Justice of India, while Operation Sindoor was launched today to address rising tensions.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna Meets President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Today, On May 7, 2025, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), along with his wife Smt Asha Khanna and other family members, met with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This meeting, which took place just before his retirement, was an official and ceremonial occasion, highlighting the respect and significance of the Chief Justice’s tenure.
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Justice Khanna, who has been an influential figure in the Indian judiciary, has contributed immensely to the legal system during his time as CJI. The meeting with the President marks a significant moment in his career as he prepares to step down after serving with distinction.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was appointed the 51st Chief Justice of India in 2024, will retire in May 2025. Known for his judicial acumen and commitment to constitutional values, his tenure has been characterized by landmark judgments and a steadfast approach to upholding the independence of the judiciary.
Justice Khanna’s retirement will take effect in May 2025, as per the constitutional mandate that Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65. The announcement of his retirement has already stirred discussions regarding the future leadership of the judiciary and the possible appointment of his successor.
Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna’s legal journey began in 1983, and he was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. Known for his calm demeanor and clarity in judgment, Justice Khanna’s tenure as the Chief Justice has been marked by numerous landmark decisions in various areas of law, including constitutional matters, civil disputes, and criminal justice.
As per the Indian Constitution, Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65, and Justice Khanna will step down when he reaches that age in May 2025. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Indian judiciary.
Justice B.R. Gavai to Take Oath as Chief Justice of India
In the wake of Justice Khanna’s retirement, Justice Bhushan Ramesh Gavai, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, is set to take the oath as the next Chief Justice of India. Justice Gavai has had a distinguished career, serving as a judge of the Bombay High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court. His tenure as CJI will bring a focus on judicial reforms and the pressing need to address the backlog of cases pending in the courts.
Justice Gavai’s appointment is widely anticipated and is seen as a moment of significant change in India’s legal system. His leadership will likely center on ensuring fair access to justice and improving the efficiency of the judicial process.
Justice Gavai was appointed as a judge to the Bombay High Court in 2003, where he quickly gained respect for his knowledge and commitment. His tenure at the Bombay High Court was filled with landmark decisions, especially in areas related to criminal law, constitutional law, and civil disputes.
He became a judge of the Supreme Court of India in 2019, and since then, he has been an integral part of several important constitutional and legal matters.
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Justice Gavai’s elevation to the highest judicial post in India is the natural progression of a distinguished career that has earned him the trust and respect of the legal fraternity.
As the CJI, he will be responsible for leading the Supreme Court, ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system, and overseeing the administration of justice across the country. His leadership will be crucial in addressing the growing backlog of cases and ensuring access to justice for all.
This important meeting between Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and President Droupadi Murmu becomes even more meaningful because it happened at a time when the country is facing serious security concerns after Operation Sindoor, which was India’s strong reply to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
In such times, the coming together of top leaders from the judiciary and the government shows unity and strength of the nation.
On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision missile strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and several locations across Pakistan. This operation was in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the deaths of several Indian tourists.
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