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Justice Sanjiv Khanna,
Chief Justice of India
(DoB.) : 14-05-1960
Term of Office : (DoA) 18-01-2019 to (DoR) 13-05-2025
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is a prominent figure in the Indian judiciary, currently serving as the 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. His appointment to the Supreme Court took place on January 18, 2019, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished legal career.
In addition to his role as Chief Justice, Justice Khanna holds several important positions that reflect his commitment to enhancing the legal framework and access to justice in India. He serves as the Patron-in-Chief of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), an organization dedicated to providing free legal services to those in need and ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens, particularly the marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.
Furthermore, Justice Khanna is the Chairperson of the National Judicial Academy (NJA) located in Bhopal, where he plays a crucial role in the training and development of judges and judicial officers across the country. The NJA is instrumental in promoting judicial excellence and fostering a deeper understanding of the law among the judiciary.
Justice Khanna's leadership extends to the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), where he served as Chairman from June 17, 2023, to December 25, 2023. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the provision of legal aid and services to those who could not afford them, furthering the cause of justice and equality before the law.
Looking ahead, Justice Khanna is set to take on the role of Executive Chairman of NALSA from December 26, 2023, to November 10, 2024. This position will allow him to continue his advocacy for legal aid and the promotion of legal literacy, ensuring that the rights of all individuals are upheld and that justice remains a fundamental pillar of Indian society.
Through these various roles, Justice Sanjiv Khanna exemplifies a dedication to the rule of law and a commitment to improving the legal landscape in India, making significant contributions to the judiciary and the broader community.
Justice Khanna's journey in the legal field began with his education at the prestigious Campus Law Centre, part of Delhi University, where he honed his skills and knowledge in various aspects of law. After completing his legal education, he was admitted as an Advocate by the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the legal profession.
In the early stages of his career, Justice Khanna practiced law in the District Courts of Delhi, where he gained invaluable experience and insight into the workings of the judicial system. His dedication and expertise soon led him to establish a robust practice primarily in the High Court of Delhi, where he became known for his proficiency in a diverse range of legal subjects. His areas of focus included Constitutional Law, Direct Taxation, Arbitration, Commercial Laws, Company Law, Land Laws, Environmental Protection Laws, and Medical Negligence. This broad spectrum of legal knowledge allowed him to represent clients effectively and contribute meaningfully to various legal discourses.
Justice Khanna's reputation as a skilled advocate was further solidified during his tenure as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department, a position he held for seven years. In this role, he was responsible for representing the department in significant tax-related matters, showcasing his expertise in Direct Taxation. Following this, he briefly served as the Senior Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, where he continued to demonstrate his legal acumen before his elevation to the High Court of Delhi.
In addition to his roles in civil law, Justice Khanna also served as an Additional Public Prosecutor in the High Court of Delhi, where he was involved in prosecuting criminal cases and ensuring justice was served. His commitment to the legal system extended beyond his direct responsibilities, as he frequently acted as amicus curiae, providing valuable assistance to the High Court in numerous criminal cases and matters of public significance. This role allowed him to contribute to the development of legal principles and the administration of justice in cases that had far-reaching implications.
On June 24, 2005, Justice Khanna's contributions to the legal field were recognized when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Delhi. His elevation to this esteemed position marked a significant milestone in his career, and he became a Permanent Judge on February 20, 2006. Throughout his tenure as a judge, Justice Khanna took on various leadership roles, including serving as the Chairman/Judge-in-charge of the Delhi Judicial Academy (DJA), where he played a crucial role in the
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