Prominent legal experts consider the Emergency declared on the midnight of June 25, 1975, as a “horrible mistake” and the “darkest period” for liberty in independent India. It severely impacted the country’s democratic values and institutions.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the Supreme Court’s 1976 Emergency judgment, calling it a “darkest moment” in judicial history for legitimizing dictatorship and undermining fundamental rights. His remarks highlighted the judiciary’s failure to protect civil liberties during the Emergency, emphasizing the need for constitutional adherence and institutional integrity in the face of political pressure.
Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, talks about how the judiciary changed after the 1975 Emergency. Earlier, courts had a narrow view of fundamental rights, but now they take a broader approach. He highlights the Supreme Court’s role in ensuring social justice, fairness, and constitutional values. While progress has been made, challenges like delays, high legal costs, and misinformation still exist. He emphasizes the need for more reforms to maintain trust in the judiciary.
Today, On 11th November, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His term lasts until May 13, 2025. Khanna is recognized for significant rulings and aims to improve justice delivery while continuing a family legacy in India’s judiciary.
![[Landmark ADM Jabalpur Case] A Shared Legacy of CJI Chandrachud & Justice Sanjiv Khanna](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-33-1.png?resize=447%2C360&ssl=1)
CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Sanjiv Khanna are linked through the ADM Jabalpur case, where their predecessors delivered a controversial verdict in 1976. Justice H.R. Khanna’s dissent emphasized the rule of law. Chandrachud later overruled that decision, highlighting progress in India’s legal interpretation of fundamental rights, marking a poetic justice moment.