Supreme Court Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna Retires, Praises Successor BR Gavai and Reflects on Public Trust in Judiciary
New Delhi, 13th May 2025: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna retired today after a six-month tenure at the helm of the Supreme Court, marking the end of a distinguished judicial career that spanned over three decades. In a farewell address to his colleagues and the legal fraternity, CJI Khanna became visibly emotional, stating, “I am speechless. I carry a lot of memories. Once you are a lawyer, you remain a lawyer. The public trust that the judiciary has cannot be commanded and has to be earned. Judiciary is a common term that represents the Bench and the Bar. Bar is the conscience keeper”.
Justice Khanna, who was elevated to the Supreme Court in January 2019 and became the 51st Chief Justice in November 2024, used his final address to highlight the importance of diversity within the judiciary. “Judges come to the Supreme Court from different backgrounds, and that diversity helps judicial decision-making,” he said. Reflecting on his tenure, Khanna noted that public trust in the judiciary is built through consistent integrity and accountability, not by mere authority.
Praising his successor, Justice BR Gavai, Khanna remarked, “Justice BR Gavai has been my biggest support. In him, you will have a great CJI. He will uphold the fundamental rights and liberty”. Justice Gavai, who will be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, was described by Khanna as someone who will continue to protect the Constitution’s core values.
Justice Khanna also addressed the legacy of his family, referencing his uncle, Justice HR Khanna, renowned for his principled dissent during the Emergency. “I can’t compare myself with HR Khanna. Those times were different. He was a person with a huge intellect,” he said.
Throughout his career, Justice Khanna was known for his quiet resolve and preference for letting his judicial work speak for itself. He played a key role in several landmark verdicts, including those on Article 370, the decriminalisation of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, and the EVM-VVPAT tally case. On his last day, he reiterated his commitment to judicial independence by announcing, “I will not accept any post-retirement post, but perhaps will do something with law”.
Justice Khanna’s retirement was marked by tributes from colleagues and members of the Bar, who highlighted his integrity, humility, and dedication to upholding the rule of law. As the baton passes to Justice Gavai, the Supreme Court enters a new chapter, with Khanna’s legacy of judicial restraint, diversity, and public trust setting a high standard for the future.
