New Delhi, November 11 : Sanjiv Khanna, who took oath today as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), shared his vision of a more accessible and citizen-centric judicial system.
In his address, CJI Khanna emphasized a commitment to making courts approachable and user-friendly while preserving judicial independence as a key component of democratic governance.
Outlining his objectives, CJI Khanna prioritized tackling case backlogs, ensuring affordable and accessible litigation, and simplifying complex legal procedures. "The judiciary is a distinct and independent part of governance entrusted by the Constitution to safeguard fundamental rights and deliver justice," he stated.
The CJI also highlighted the need for a self-evaluative judicial approach that remains open to feedback and receptive to citizen needs. Among his key priorities are making judgments comprehensible to the public, promoting mediation, and ensuring that the justice delivery process does not become burdensome for citizens.
CJI Khanna, who succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, will serve a six-month tenure, retiring on May 13, 2025. His judicial career has included participation in landmark judgments, such as the invalidation of the Electoral Bonds scheme, decisions on EVM integrity, and matters regarding Article 370.
With over 40 years in the legal field, Justice Khanna began his career as an advocate in Delhi and served as a senior counsel for the Income Tax Department. He was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005, a permanent judge in 2006, and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019.
