CJI Khanna sat on a ceremonial bench alongside Justice BR Gavai and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, who both praised him for the legacy he leaves behind.
In a heartwarming farewell on Tuesday, senior lawyers, fellow judges, and law officers gathered in Court Hall 1 of the Supreme Court of India to bid an emotional goodbye to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who retired from office today. The farewell highlighted CJI Khanna’s honesty, calm nature, commitment to justice, and his strong sense of integrity throughout his career.
CJI Khanna sat on a ceremonial bench alongside Justice BR Gavai and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, who both praised him for the legacy he leaves behind.
Justice Gavai, who is next in line to become the Chief Justice of India, deeply appreciated CJI Khanna’s fairness and his approach to human rights:
“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,” said Justice Gavai.
He also fondly remembered Justice HR Khanna, the late uncle of CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who was denied the top post after giving a bold ruling during the Emergency period:
“CJI Khanna sat in the very courtroom for a long time where Justice HR Khanna held court.”
Justice PV Sanjay Kumar highlighted CJI Khanna’s sharp memory and sincere dedication to the judiciary:
“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 of India R Venkataramani highlighted the clarity and simplicity of CJI Khanna’s judgments:
“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.”
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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta drew a touching comparison to CJI Khanna’s uncle, Justice HR Khanna:
“Justice HR Khanna would have been very proud of you today.”
He also admired how patiently CJI Khanna conducted hearings:
“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.”
SCBA President Kapil Sibal described CJI Khanna as a shining example for future judges:
“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.”
SCAORA President Vipin Nair appreciated CJI Khanna’s courage, drawing a parallel with his uncle:
“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 applauded his brave handling of tough legal issues:
“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 summed it up aptly:
“You have shown proof of the pudding is in the judging.”
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh recalled a strong statement made by CJI Khanna:
“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 offered his best wishes:
“Go well, sir. Go in peace. May health, prosperity always be on your side.”
Senior Advocate Vibha Datta Makhija thanked CJI Khanna for his transparent leadership:
“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 appreciated how CJI Khanna always remained connected to the Bar, while Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave highlighted his contribution to building the institution of the Supreme Court.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy gave a memorable comparison with cricket icon Virat Kohli:
“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.”
Other senior lawyers like Adish C Aggarwala, Shadan Farasat, and Prashanta Chandra Sen also expressed their deep respect.
Aggarwala noted:
“Thank you for interacting with the judges to be appointed, as you did as a part of the collegium.”
To this, CJI Khanna clarified:
“Not interview…. Interaction.”
Farasat shared:
“We never felt intimidated before you.”
Chandra Sen referred to the larger legacy of judicial courage in the Khanna family:
“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.”
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CJI Khanna responded warmly, remembering his grandfather:
“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.”
In his parting speech, CJI Khanna acknowledged the emotional moment and thanked everyone:
“I am speechless. I carry a lot of memories. Once you are a lawyer you remain a lawyer. The public trust which judiciary 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.”
He concluded by expressing full confidence in his successor:
“Justice Gavai has been my biggest support and in him you have a great CJI and he will uphold the fundamental rights and liberty.”
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