After his formal appointment by the Union government, Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, who had recommended him as his successor in line with constitutional norms. With a distinguished four-decade long judicial career, Justice Khanna is set to serve a short six-month tenure before his retirement in May 2025.
Chief Justice of India: A Transition from Chandrachud to Khanna
On November 28, 2022, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India. This marked a significant transition in the leadership of the Indian judiciary.
Background
Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, who held the post of Chief Justice from November 2022 to November 2022, is widely recognized for his innovative approach to jurisprudence and his commitment to social justice. During his tenure, the Supreme Court delivered several landmark judgments, including the decriminalization of homosexuality and the recognition of the rights of transgender individuals.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna: New Era Begins
Justice Khanna is a highly respected jurist with over four decades of judicial experience. He previously served as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and has a reputation for his meticulous and independent approach. As the new Chief Justice, he is expected to continue to uphold the principles of judicial independence and protect the rights and liberties of all citizens.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When did Justice Khanna take oath as Chief Justice?
Justice Khanna took oath as the Chief Justice of India on November 28, 2022.
2. Who recommended Justice Khanna as his successor?
Justice DY Chandrachud, the outgoing Chief Justice, recommended Justice Khanna as his successor in accordance with constitutional norms.
3. How long will Justice Khanna serve as Chief Justice?
Justice Khanna will serve a six-month term as Chief Justice, retiring in May 2025.
4. What is Justice Khanna's judicial legacy?
Justice Khanna is known for his meticulous and independent approach to jurisprudence, prioritizing the protection of individual rights and the rule of law.
5. What are some of Justice Chandrachud's notable accomplishments as Chief Justice?
Justice Chandrachud's tenure as Chief Justice was marked by several landmark judgments, including the decriminalization of homosexuality, the recognition of transgender rights, and the expansion of judicial oversight over government actions.
Conclusion
The transition from Justice Chandrachud to Justice Khanna as Chief Justice of India represents a continuation of the judiciary's commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of all citizens. Justice Khanna's appointment underscores the judiciary's independence and the vital role it plays in ensuring the rule of law and social justice in India.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the "Disturbed Areas" status to the jurisdictions of six police stations in Manipur's valley region, following recent incidents of violence. This move comes after months of ethnic conflict in the state, with the MHA citing ongoing sporadic violence in certain areas. While the AFSPA grants armed forces personnel the authority to use force against individuals violating the law, it also requires Central Government approval for prosecution, raising concerns about potential misuse of power.
On the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, political leaders across the country paid their respects and remembered his contributions to the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Gandhi, and Congress President Kharge all shared heartfelt messages honoring Nehru's values and ideals, which continue to guide India towards progress and inclusivity. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also highlighted Nehru's unwavering commitment to fearlessness and selfless service in nation-building and urged the public to not be swayed by those who spread fear.
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host and former army veteran Pete Hegseth as his nominee for the Defense Secretary role. Critics are raising concerns about his lack of experience and right-wing views, while supporters applaud him for his strong advocacy for military members and pardons for U.S. military service members facing war crime charges. Despite some surprise and hesitancy from Republican senators, former Rep. Jason Chaffetz believes Hegseth's nomination will easily be confirmed.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota has been elected as the new majority leader for Senate Republicans, replacing Mitch McConnell. Thune, who has promised to collaborate closely with President-elect Donald Trump, won the internal election against competitors John Cornyn and Rick Scott. As the GOP prepares to take majority control of the Senate, Thune will have the challenging task of managing a divided conference, navigating Trump's demands, and securing policy wins for the new administration.
In a momentous shift of power within the GOP, South Dakota Senator John Thune has been elected as the next Senate majority leader, replacing Mitch McConnell. Thune promised to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump, despite their past differences, and will play a crucial role in enacting Trump's policy agenda. By securing the majority support of Republican senators in two rounds of secret ballots, Thune emerged victorious over competitors John Cornyn and Rick Scott. As the first competitive election for Senate leader in three decades, Thune's victory represents a new era in the GOP and a test of his leadership abilities.
In a surprise move, US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen John Ratcliffe, former director of National Intelligence and close ally, as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Amid speculation that an Indian-origin candidate may be picked, Ratcliffe's selection is seen as a more traditional choice due to his experience in counteracting foreign interference in American politics. Trump has praised Ratcliffe for his honesty and commitment to national security, and announced him as the first person to serve in both the top intelligence roles in the country.
Donald Trump has chosen John Ratcliffe, a former representative from Texas who served as Director of National Intelligence in 2020, to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. Ratcliffe faced earlier controversy when Trump attempted to appoint him as DNI in 2019, but was deemed inexperienced by Congress. He has also advised Trump on national security during his presidential campaign and served as co-chair of a think tank focused on American security. If confirmed, Ratcliffe would be the first person to serve in both of the nation's highest intelligence positions.
Hindu-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee federal government spending in the newly-formed “Department of Government Efficiency”. This marks a major career milestone for Ramaswamy, who has risen from being Trump's rival in the 2016 presidential race to becoming one of his influential supporters. A self-proclaimed 'apolitical' businessman, Ramaswamy recently made headlines for his criticisms of 'woke' culture and has now announced his presidential campaign for the Republican Party in 2023.
The constituency of Dumka, located in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, is set to hold its Assembly Elections on November 20th. With a total of 165,820 eligible voters, the main parties vying for the seat are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). In the previous elections, JMM's Hemant Soren came out victorious, defeating BJP's Lois Marandi. The result for Dumka will be declared on November 23rd along with the other 80 constituencies in Jharkhand. Both the BJP and JMM are yet to announce their candidates for the upcoming elections, making the political landscape in Dumka even more intriguing.
The 2024 Assembly Elections in Jamshedpur East, Jharkhand has become a closely watched battleground as Congress candidate Ajoy Kumar faces off against BJP candidate Purnima Das Sahu in a bid to retain his seat. With a significant reduction in the margin of votes in the last election, both parties have pulled out all the stops to secure victory. This election also marks the return of BJP's Raghubar Das, a constant winner from 1995 to 2014, as their candidate. The results will have a significant impact on the state's political landscape as the BJP aims to regain control from the Hemant Soren-led JMM.