New Delhi: Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10 am on Monday. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the event and administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna.

The ceremony followed the retirement of the outgoing Chief Justice, Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday. Justice Khanna, who will serve as CJI for a little over six months, will demit office on May 13, 2025.

The Government of India had issued a formal notification earlier, appointing Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the next Chief Justice of India, effective November 11, 2024. The Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed the appointment, noting that the President, under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution, appointed Justice Khanna to the highest judicial position in the country.

Justice Khanna, born on May 14, 1960, began his legal career in 1983 as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council. His extensive legal experience spans constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law. He also served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, representing the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Justice Khanna was appointed an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005 and became a permanent judge in 2006. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.

On the last working day of CJI Chandrachud, he became emotional while reflecting on his tenure, stating, “There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need.” In his heartfelt farewell speech on Friday, CJI Chandrachud shared his journey from being a law student in the back row to presiding over the Supreme Court. He expressed the honour of serving the nation, emphasizing how each day in office provided opportunities for professional growth and personal development.