Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, presiding over a pivotal Supreme Court case concerning MSMEs. The session witnessed a tense exchange about preferential treatment for large corporations, revealing ongoing concerns about justice equity for smaller businesses. Khanna emphasized maintaining courtroom order and addressing case management issues in his tenure’s initial proceedings.
New Delhi: Justice Sanjiv Khanna was formally sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11 at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, officiated by President Draupadi Murmu. Chief Justice Khanna’s tenure began with a full schedule, as he presided over his first Supreme Court bench alongside Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar. The bench’s first hearing involved a high-stakes case concerning micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), setting a spirited tone for his tenure.
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In this initial hearing, the session became tense when senior advocate Mathews Nedumpara, who represented the MSMEs, leveled a critique at the Supreme Court for alleged preferential treatment of major industrialists such as Ambani and Adani. Nedumpara argued that while high-profile cases receive the court’s prompt attention, cases involving smaller entities and individual lawyers are often delayed. His statement underscored a persistent concern about equitable treatment in the justice system, especially for MSMEs, which form the backbone of the Indian economy yet often face uphill battles in the courts.
Chief Justice Khanna responded by clarifying that the MSME case was related to a decision previously issued by Justice Bela Trivedi. However, Nedumpara interrupted, redirecting focus to the broader struggle of smaller enterprises overshadowed by cases involving corporate giants. This disruption led to a firm response from Chief Justice Khanna, who sharply rebuked the lawyer, asserting, “We are not here to listen to your lecture. If there’s an issue, please address it in the DRT.” The direct exchange highlighted the CJI’s no-nonsense approach and willingness to maintain order in court proceedings from day one.
This heated exchange with Nedumpara also came with a historical backdrop, as the advocate had previously clashed with former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud in July, reflecting his history of challenging Supreme Court proceedings. Nedumpara’s stance represents the frustration among smaller businesses regarding access to speedy and fair judicial processes, especially following a decision in August by Justice Bela Trivedi and Justice R. Mahadevan. That decision overturned a Bombay High Court ruling, allowing banks and non-banking financial institutions to classify certain MSME loans as non-performing assets (NPAs), which led to difficulties for MSMEs in maintaining financial stability.
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Following his oath of office, Chief Justice Khanna expressed gratitude to the legal community, thanking the assembled lawyers in courtroom number one. The day’s proceedings began with words of encouragement from senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who extended his well-wishes for the Chief Justice’s tenure, saying, “I wish you a fruitful tenure as the CJI.” Other senior lawyers and bar leaders joined in, voicing their support for Chief Justice Khanna as he embarked on his term.
Addressing the court’s concerns, Chief Justice Khanna assured that he would consider the sequence in which cases are listed, a topic raised by some members of the bar. The assurance signaled his openness to constructive feedback and dedication to efficient case management—a priority likely to resonate with the legal community.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s term is expected to be a notable one, as he steps into this esteemed role with a clear vision for maintaining decorum and equity in judicial proceedings, as well as addressing the broader challenges faced by the judiciary. With this eventful start, his tenure promises to uphold the Supreme Court’s integrity while working toward balanced representation for all stakeholders in the justice system.
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