Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be next Chief Justice of India.
The appointment of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Chief Justice of India’s successor by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud represents a major step forward for the Indian judiciary. With this declaration, the highest court is beginning a significant transition as Justice Khanna will succeed CJI Chandrachud, who is expected to retire on November 10, 2024.
The appointment of the Chief Justice of India follows a well-established tradition known as the seniority principle, under which the most senior judge of the Supreme Court is chosen to succeed the incumbent Chief Justice. This process is grounded in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, adhering to this protocol, sent his recommendation for Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the Ministry, thereby initiating the formal process of his appointment. Justice Khanna is expected to take oath on November 11, 2024, the day after CJI Chandrachud’s retirement.
