Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna of India emphasized the importance of judicial independence, stating judges should not seek social media approval before delivering judgments. He highlighted the diversity and accountability of India’s judiciary, praised the successful legal aid system, recognized pro bono contributions, and acknowledged India’s progressive stance on women’s rights, especially abortion rights.
Today, On 12th December, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear petitions contesting the Places of Worship Act, which preserves the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Supporters argue it upholds secularism and prevents communal tensions, while challengers claim it violates religious rights and impedes judicial remedies for various faiths.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna addressed the “black coat syndrome” at a Human Rights Day event, emphasizing the importance of human rights for fostering peace. He highlighted the need for reforms in the justice system, addressing overcrowding in jails, and ensuring compassion towards marginalized groups, especially undertrial prisoners and the elderly.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna stressed the urgency for reforms in India’s criminal justice system, highlighting overcrowded prisons and the high number of undertrial prisoners. A campaign was launched to assist elderly and terminally ill inmates. Emphasis was placed on raising legal awareness and ensuring humane treatment to promote a more equitable justice system that respects human rights.
![[VHP Event] NGO Writes To CJI Khanna Seeks ‘In-house’ Inquiry Against Allahabad HC Judge For His Remarks](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-11-2.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO CJAR, criticized Justice Yadav for his comments at a VHP event, claiming they undermine judicial impartiality and erode public trust. The letter requests an in-house inquiry and highlights concerns about the judge’s remarks targeting Muslims, advocating for the Uniform Civil Code, and violating judicial ethics.
The Supreme Court of India is addressing the impact of stay orders by appellate courts on criminal trial progress. It has called for responses from eight states and their high courts in a case initiated from concerns raised in a 2021 order. The CBI has also been tasked with improving its prosecution unit and addressing systemic issues.
The Supreme Court of India is examining the adverse effects of stay orders on criminal trials, as delays hinder timely justice. A hearing is scheduled for December 9, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. The Court emphasizes the need for judicial oversight to balance justice with the rights of the accused.
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of pleas on December 12 challenging the validity of the Places of Worship Act, which mandates maintaining the status quo of all places of worship as existed on August 15, 1947. The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sanjiv Khanna, has constituted a special three-judge bench–comprising himself, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice KV Vishwanathan–to hear the case, which has been pending before the court since 2020.
The Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA) has requested revised guidelines for adjournment letters from Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Citing procedural delays and operational inefficiencies due to recent modifications, SCAORA seeks formalization of acceptable circumstances for adjournments, aiming to enhance judicial efficiency and respect advocates’ logistical realities in India’s legal system.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s designation of 70 lawyers as Senior Advocates. Following the designation process, a committee member resigned, alleging the final list was altered without his approval. The Supreme Court’s response will address concerns about the transparency of the designation process.