The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) penned a detailed letter on November 29 addressing the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna raising critical concerns regarding the current practices of issuing hearing sequences and granting passovers. This letter sheds light on the operational challenges faced by advocates, clerks, and other stakeholders in the Supreme Court.
Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, urged Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna to intervene against mosque surveys that may incite communal discord. He called these activities threats to national unity and the secular fabric of India, highlighting the need for judicial action to prevent unrest and uphold social harmony.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna Today (Nov 27) proposed a more streamlined approach for handling case withdrawals in court. He recommended that lawyers should send written letters in advance to formally request the withdrawal of cases, rather than relying solely on oral submissions when the matter is brought up for hearing. This suggestion aims to enhance procedural efficiency and reduce the time spent on such matters during court proceedings. The Chief Justice emphasized that prior communication in writing could help avoid delays and improve case management.
On the 75th Constitution Day, CJI Sanjiv Khanna highlighted the need for balance among government branches and emphasized judicial independence as a catalyst for justice. He noted significant court case backlogs but positive resolutions and improvements in clearance rates. Addressing disparities in judicial workforce and access to justice, he urged for transparency to build trust in the judiciary.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna Today (Nov 26) addressed a gathering of lawyers during the Constitution Day event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association. “The better the bar, the better the judges,” CJI Khanna said, emphasising the integral role of lawyers in the judiciary. He pointed out that while the judiciary is often represented by judges in robes, it equally represents the members of the bar.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna recused himself from a contempt plea involving the Delhi Development Authority for tree cutting in Ridge Forest, which violated court orders. The case, also scrutinizing Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena, will proceed before a new bench. The environmental implications and adherence to judicial directives raise significant questions on public interest versus sustainability.
New Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna’s directive prohibiting oral mentioning of cases for urgent listing has stirred mixed responses from the legal fraternity with one section terming it “commendable” while others want the current practice to continue to deal with “extremely urgent cases”. The new policy, announced Today (Nov 12), marks a shift from the long-standing practice where lawyers would request urgent hearings by mentioning cases before the CJI-led bench at the start of each day’s proceedings.
Today, On 12th November, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, discontinued oral mentions for urgent hearings, requiring requests to be submitted via email or written slips. This change aims to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, though critics argue it may hinder immediate access for genuinely urgent cases needing swift judicial response.
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.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna commenced his role as the 51st Chief Justice of India with a busy first day, hearing 45 cases. Officially sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu, he prioritizes efficiency and accountability. His previous experience includes significant rulings on electoral integrity and constitutional matters, promising a dedicated leadership focused on high judicial standards until his retirement in May 2025.
