When Justice Sanjiv Khanna was appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 11, 2024, hopes were muted. The office of the CJI had become a poisoned chalice in recent years, marred by controversies, political backlash, and allegations of judicial partisanship. However, just over five months into his tenure, Justice Khanna has managed to surprise many by simply doing what the Constitution expects of a judge—upholding the law without fear or favour.
BREAKING FROM THE PAST
Justice Khanna’s approach marks a sharp departure from his predecessors, who often courted media attention and public approval. Unlike CJIs Ramana and Chandrachud, who were known for their speeches, media appearances, and public engagements, Justice Khanna has stayed away from the limelight, opting instead for a more reserved and institutional approach.
Shortly after taking office, he issued a press release emphasizing his commitment to clearing the judicial backlog and streamlining legal procedures. He said:
“The justice delivery framework necessitates fair opportunity for all to succeed regardless of status, wealth or power.”
Since then, he has largely avoided media interactions, focusing on internal judicial reforms and delivering impactful verdicts.
KEY JUDICIAL INTERVENTIONS
CJI Khanna’s tenure has already seen several significant developments:
1. RECUSALS FOR ETHICAL REASONS
Justice Khanna recused himself from:
A contempt plea against Delhi LG VK Saxena, citing past associations.
A case concerning the law on the appointment of Election Commissioners, which he had earlier adjudicated on.
Both recusals were accompanied by open-court explanations, underscoring his commitment to judicial propriety.
2. LANDMARK ORDER ON RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES
On December 12, 2024, a bench led by CJI Khanna ruled that:
No new suits can be filed questioning the religious character of structures.
Trial courts must not issue orders in ongoing cases until the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 is decided.
This ruling impacted over 18 high-stakes disputes, including those involving the Gyanvapi Mosque, Mathura’s Shahi Eidgah, and Ajmer Dargah, helping defuse communal tensions.
3. PUSHBACK ON WAQF AMENDMENT ACT
CJI Khanna is now facing political backlash over a bench’s inclination to stay key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The contentious provisions included:
- Inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards.
- Collector powers over Waqf property disputes.
- Rules for de-notifying Waqf properties.
CJI Khanna questioned the logic of allowing non-Muslims in Waqf governance while excluding similar provisions for Hindu endowment boards:
“Will you allow Muslims to be part of the Hindu endowment boards?” he asked the Centre during the hearing.
This exchange stirred significant political unrest and was followed by the Centre’s statement that it would not implement the controversial provisions—for now.
CLARIFYING MISPLACED CRITICISM
Interestingly, CJI Khanna has also come under fire for a judgment he did not author. A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ruled that Governors and the President must act within fixed timelines on state bills. The verdict led to political backlash, even though Justice Khanna was not involved in the case.
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND COLLEGIUM TRANSPARENCY
As the master of the roster and head of the Collegium, CJI Khanna has brought noticeable transparency:
Prompt action was taken after large amounts of cash were allegedly found at the residence of Delhi High Court’s Justice Yashwant Varma. Justice Khanna set up a three-member in-house committee and repatriated Justice Varma to his parent High Court.
Under his leadership, the Collegium recommended merit-based elevations, including Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was eleventh in seniority but chosen for his competence.
Several pending judge transfers were finalized, including those of Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Chandra Dhari Singh.
A CJI WHO CHOSE INTEGRITY OVER LEGACY
In a judiciary frequently entangled with politics and public perception, CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s quiet diligence is refreshing. He has not embarked on legacy-building exercises or media charm offensives. Instead, he has focused on strengthening institutional processes, delivering balanced rulings, and upholding constitutional values.
While critics claim he hasn’t done anything extraordinary, supporters argue that in today’s polarized climate, simply doing the job with honesty and integrity is extraordinary in itself.
In an era of performative justice, CJI Khanna stands out for doing the one thing that matters most: his duty.
