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Justice Sanjiv Khanna, appointed Chief Justice of India Today (Nov 11), has opted not to relocate to the designated CJI residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg, due to his short tenure. Instead, he will continue working from his current official residence, a choice reflecting his commitment to efficiency and continuity. By avoiding the logistical complexities of relocation, Justice Khanna aims to focus fully on his judicial responsibilities, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to his temporary term as Chief Justice.
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NEW DELHI: In a notable decision reflecting his practical approach, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, today appointed as the Chief Justice of India, has chosen not to move into the official Chief Justice’s bungalow at 5, Krishna Menon Marg.
Justice Khanna’s decision stems from the brief tenure he is expected to serve as CJI, making relocation an unnecessary disruption to his current working and living arrangement.
Instead, Justice Khanna will continue to work from his present official residence. This decision underscores his focus on maintaining continuity and efficiency in his responsibilities. By opting to stay at his existing address, he can avoid the time and effort associated with moving, which, given his short tenure, could potentially detract from his ability to perform his duties effectively.
Justice Khanna’s choice also reflects a certain pragmatism and simplicity, characteristic of his approach. His decision aligns with the understanding that his time as Chief Justice may be better spent focusing on judicial matters rather than logistical ones, thus keeping his attention centered on the work at hand.
In summary, Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s choice not to relocate to the Chief Justice’s official residence at 5, Krishna Menon Marg, highlights his commitment to efficiency and dedication to his role during his tenure.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, marking a significant moment for the judiciary. The oath of office was administered by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Justice Khanna’s tenure as the Chief Justice will span 183 days, lasting just over six months, with his retirement set for May 13, 2025.
Starting his legal career in 1983, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has extensive experience across multiple domains, including taxation, constitutional law, arbitration, and commercial as well as environmental matters. His legal journey saw a key development in 2004, when he was appointed as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The following year, in 2005, he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court and, by 2006, he was made a permanent judge.
Justice Khanna’s elevation to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019, came as a surprising but notable advancement. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Justice Khanna himself said, it was “a big surprise for him.”
Notably, Justice Khanna is the nephew of former Supreme Court judge Hans Raj Khanna, renowned for his iconic dissent in the ADM Jabalpur case—a case that is still celebrated for its stance on fundamental rights.
As a Supreme Court judge, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has made impactful contributions, especially in recent months. He was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, a key provision of the Indian Constitution related to Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Justice Khanna also contributed to a historic decision last year by being part of the Constitution Bench that struck down the Electoral Bonds scheme, which had allowed anonymous donations to political parties, thereby promoting greater transparency in political funding.
In April, Justice Khanna, along with Justice Dipankar Datta, dismissed a petition that sought to tally all Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during elections, signaling confidence in the existing electoral process.
Prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a Bench led by Justice Khanna took a significant decision by refusing to stay the appointment of former bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners, emphasizing the autonomy of appointments in the Election Commission.
Another prominent case led by Justice Khanna’s Bench occurred on July 12, when interim bail was granted to then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case tied to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Similarly, his Bench also granted bail to Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh in the same case, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on fair and unbiased decision-making.
In August, Justice Khanna raised important questions regarding a Mumbai college’s ban on wearing burqa, hijab, or niqab on campus, partly staying the notice issued by the institution and demonstrating the Court’s commitment to individual rights and freedoms.
Justice Khanna has also made his mark through his dissenting opinions. In 2021, he dissented from the majority decision in the Central Vista Project case, showcasing his readiness to stand by his principles in contentious cases.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s judicial journey reflects a profound commitment to justice, transparency, and constitutional values. As the Chief Justice of India, his legacy is sure to leave an enduring impact on Indian jurisprudence.
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