'A beacon of light who elevated stature of court': CJI Sanjiv Khanna demits office

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday superannuated after a brief stint of over six months marked by several judicial as well as administrative decisions, which would stand him out in the annals of judicial history.

In his farewell speech, he declared, "I have no mixed feelings. I am simply happy. I also feel blessed to have retired as the Chief Justice of India. For me, becoming a judge of the High Court itself was a dream come true."

He said his mother, a professor of Hindi in Lady Sriram College never wanted him to become a lawyer. 

"She cautioned me –This is not an easy profession. Simplicity and straight talk don’t always thrive. You will never make a living. I must admit, as a lawyer, I was never commercially minded....(but now) My mother will be happy and pleased that my decision was right," he said.

To lawyers, he said, truth deficit in the profession, was something which bothered him. 

Justice Khanna assumed the office as the 51 st CJI on November 11, 2024. Among his notable decisions are an order on pausing any survey to ascertain character of a religious places, then securing an assurance from the Centre on Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 and a judgment upholding the decision to invalidate appointment of 25,000 teachers in West Bengal.

During his tenure, the most challenging moment for the judiciary came after an alleged cash haul was found at the residence of then Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, which came as a shock for the country in March this year. The outgoing CJI first ordered preliminary inquiry, ensured withdrawal of judicial work and formed in-house inquiry panel. He finally marked the matter to the President and the Prime Minister for further action against the judge.

Justice Khanna ordered to place all the materials including video footage and the response of the judge on the SC website to ensure transparency in the process.

However, the video footage would continue to embarrass the judiciary in the days to come.

CJI Khanna also ensured disclosure of judges assets and Collegium records on website in yet another move for transparency.

In his remarks in a ceremonial bench, he said, the judiciary is not just judges; it includes the bar. 

"You are the conscious keepers of the system,” the CJI told lawyers who made a beeline to offer their wishes to him in the courtroom and reflected upon his achievements.

Justice B R Gavai, the CJI designate who is set to succeed Justice Khanna, acknowledged the weight of legacy Justice Khanna bore as the nephew of Justice H R Khanna, who was the lone dissenter in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case, in which he stood for constitutional rights during the emergency. 

Justice Gavai praised CJI Khanna for his clarity, moral conviction, and commitment to fundamental rights.

Justice Sanjay Kumar, who sat alongside CJI Khanna for several months in the bench, praised him for his sharp memory, calm and patient demeanour with lawyers. Attorney General R Venkataramani said CJI Khanna added "immense value" to the court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appreciated the CJI's legal acumen and clarity in judgment. Supreme Court Bar Association president Kapil Sibal, and other bar members praised the outgoing CJI. “You are the streak across the sky that is never forgotten,” Sibal said, calling him "a beacon of light" who elevated the stature of the court.

A counsel said the week saw the country's two greats hang their boots, one of whom was the CJI and the other cricketer, Virat Kohli. 

Justice Khanna was elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019 from the Delhi High Court. He is son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice D R Khanna.