CJI Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the need for concise and clear petitions in Indian courts. He urged lawyers to master drafting, calling it key to winning cases.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, during his farewell speech at a function organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), gave important advice to the legal community.
As he is set to retire from office on May 13, 2025, CJI Khanna touched upon various aspects of legal practice, including the need for better drafting skills, specialisation in legal practice, and mentorship for young lawyers.
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His speech was filled with guidance, personal experiences, and heartfelt reflections on his journey in the legal field.
Speaking at the event held in New Delhi on May 9, CJI Sanjiv Khanna laid special stress on the need to make petitions and pleadings shorter and clearer in judicial proceedings.
He pointed out that a lot of effort is still needed to master what he called the “art of drafting.”
He also underlined the importance of adopting the idea of “less is more” in legal pleadings, which will help both lawyers and judges in saving time and focusing better on the real legal issues.
He said,
“One thing we have still not mastered is the art of drafting. We must adopt the dictum ‘less is more.’ The crisper the petitions, it is far more beneficial. I had once drafted a petition – objections to an award to be filed in an European court. I had put 8 to 9 grounds…The lawyer said, ‘I reduced it to 3’…That apart, we need a crisper petition. Remember, you make 50 per cent of the case when you draft the matter well and the judge has read the file.”
Starting his address on a lighter note, he said,
“As judges, we preach a lot. I did not want to do. Then, I realised it is impossible (not to).”
CJI Khanna appreciated the work of Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) and said they serve as the bridge between different parts of India and the Supreme Court.
He encouraged AoRs to argue their cases themselves and not always depend on senior lawyers.
He also gave his opinion on whether lawyers should focus on multiple areas or build expertise in one.
He explained,
“These days, (there is) a lot of conflict on specialisation or general expertise. I believe domain specialisation will take you ahead in life and it will matter more than oratory schools. This, coupled with mastery of facts. Every case does not need a huge constitutional principle, but facts of the case.”
CJI Khanna encouraged AoRs to take advanced courses on mediation. He strongly recommended the need for mentorship of young lawyers and urged senior lawyers to share their knowledge and guide juniors.
He said,
“Another area is mentorship. Anyone with 15 years experience must mentor and SCAORA can have this. If I have a office in the future, I will always be open to give legal advice. It will be my pleasure if you walk in and seek advice.”
Reflecting on his journey, he shared a personal memory of his first visit to the Supreme Court.
“When my father was a judge, I never went to any court. For the first time I visited court, it was the Supreme Court of India – the Indian express case was being argued and Advocate Lal Narayan was arguing. It was my first experience. After passing out, I practiced at the chambers of PH Parikh. Today, I end the journey at the same place.”
As he prepares to step down, CJI Khanna expressed deep faith in the Indian judicial system.
“As I prepare to demit office, I do so with deep faith in the institution. The institution (has) immense responsibility. We pronounce judgments, the advocates take it ahead and carry on that role with care and sincerity.”
Justice BR Gavai, who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India, praised CJI Khanna for his honest and humble leadership.
“I can only say that when he took over the reins as the CJI in November 2024, we saw a lot of changes. He brought in transformation, transparency. He always showed CJI is first among equals and not a superior. He was always open to suggestions. He was always straight and plain. What he could not do, he refused without bothering about what others feel.”
SCAORA President Vipin Nair also appreciated CJI Khanna’s tenure and drew a comparison with his uncle, the legendary Justice HR Khanna.
“Justice HR Khanna is the best Chief Justice India never had. CJI (Sanjiv) Khanna, his nephew, has shown all those qualities (of an ideal Chief Justice) while holding office. He has shown transparency by putting in public domain all the documents in a sensitive case.”
SCAORA Vice-President Amit Sharma said that CJI Khanna reminded everyone that the Supreme Court benches are positions of trust, not power.
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“CJI Khanna reminded the public that the benches of Supreme Court judges are not ‘thrones’ but seats held in trust.”
SCAORA Secretary Nikhil Jain described CJI Khanna as a respected and inspiring legal mind.
“CJI Khanna is a towering legal figure whose tenure embodied integrity and hope.”
Jain added,
“He showed unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and amplifying every voice.”
He concluded by saying,
“He was a steadfast defender of fundamental rights and a true custodian of justice.”
CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s farewell speech served as a powerful reminder to the legal fraternity about the value of clarity, mentorship, and integrity in the legal profession.
His words are not just parting thoughts, but lasting guidance for the future generation of lawyers and judges in India.
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