NEW DELHI: Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially assumed his role as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) today, taking his oath at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath at 10 a.m., marking Justice Khanna's formal succession to the position.

Justice Khanna steps into this role following the retirement of Justice Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud, who completed his tenure on Sunday. His appointment was confirmed by a notification from the Government of India, with the Ministry of Law and Justice declaring his elevation to the highest judicial office under Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution. Justice Khanna will serve as Chief Justice for a six-month term, effective from November 11, 2024.

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna embarked on his legal career in 1983 as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council. He has expertise in a range of legal areas, including constitutional law, tax law, and environmental issues. Over his career, he also served as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department in Delhi.

Justice Khanna was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005, becoming a permanent judge in 2006. In January 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court, where he served with distinction until today’s appointment as Chief Justice of India.

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