CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna played key role in Landmark verdicts on Article 370, Electoral Bonds

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a current Supreme Court judge, will become the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) starting from November 11, 2024. The Centre officially notified his appointment following the retirement of the current CJI, DY Chandrachud, on November 10. This marks an important change in the Indian judiciary. 

Background and career

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna started his legal career in 1983 as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi. He worked in district courts, including Tis Hazari, and later practiced in the Delhi High Court. In 2005, he became an additional judge at the Delhi High Court and was appointed a permanent judge in 2006. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, bypassing the position of Chief Justice of a High Court.

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Significant cases and rulings

Justice Khanna has been part of several key judgments in the Supreme Court. He was on the five-judge bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, ruling that it did not grant Jammu and Kashmir sovereignty. He also played a role in declaring the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional, highlighting the importance of transparency in political donations.

Justice Khanna has handled other significant cases as well, including granting interim bail to former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and considering delays in trials as a reason for bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He continues to review important legal matters that impact public interest.