New Delhi, May 13 – On his final day in office, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna expressed deep emotion and gratitude, voicing strong confidence that his successor, Justice B R Gavai, would continue to uphold the values of the Supreme Court, safeguard fundamental rights, and adhere to core constitutional principles.
The ceremonial bench for the occasion featured CJI Khanna, Justice Gavai, and Justice Sanjay Kumar, marking a moment of reflection and celebration not only of Justice Khanna’s tenure but also of the enduring legacy of his uncle, Justice H R Khanna.
Describing Justice Gavai as his “greatest support,” CJI Khanna shared that their long association, including shared time in the collegium, gave him full faith in Justice Gavai’s leadership and dedication to the judiciary’s ideals.
“We were elevated the same year, worked closely, and I know that Justice Gavai will be an outstanding Chief Justice who will uphold the Court’s integrity, rights of the people, and foundational doctrines,” he said. Reflecting on his time in the judiciary, CJI Khanna added, “I’m overwhelmed. I carry many cherished memories that will stay with me for life.”
He emphasized the collaborative relationship between the bench and the bar, calling lawyers the “conscience keepers” of the system. He also praised the Supreme Court’s diversity, noting how the judges’ varied backgrounds led to more informed and balanced decisions.
Justice Gavai, who will take over as the 52nd Chief Justice on May 14, paid tribute to Justice Khanna for building on his family’s historic judicial legacy. Referring to his predecessor’s uncle, who stood alone in defense of constitutional rights during the Emergency, Justice Gavai said, “Justice Sanjiv Khanna didn’t just inherit that legacy — he made it his own.”
He commended Justice Khanna’s clarity, integrity, and unwavering focus on constitutional rights, calling his judgments elegant and principled. Reflecting on their shared journey, he added, “This isn’t a farewell, but a transition. What ends today is not a career, but the start of a new chapter.”
Justice Sanjay Kumar offered a glimpse into CJI Khanna’s working style, describing his remarkable memory, patience with lawyers, and calm demeanor. He praised his ability to handle issues — judicial or administrative — with focused dedication and practical wisdom.
Recalling one instance, Justice Kumar said Khanna’s advice helped him finalize a pending procedural matter, preventing unnecessary case backlog. “His words helped me see the broader impact,” he said.
Attorney General R Venkataramani highlighted Justice Khanna’s quiet but impactful leadership. “You leave a void. Like a calm river, you achieved so much with grace,” he said, lauding the CJI’s logical, clear, and value-driven judgments.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta praised Justice Khanna’s sharp legal mind and insightful decisions, saying even lawyers who lost cases before him felt enriched. “Your rulings were clear, brief, and always enlightening,” he said.
Supreme Court Bar Association president Kapil Sibal and other senior lawyers also offered glowing tributes. One compared Justice Khanna’s retirement to that of cricketer Virat Kohli, calling both legends. Sibal described Khanna as “a streak across the sky never forgotten,” and “a beacon of justice” who inspired the next generation.
He also referenced the iconic dissent of Justice H R Khanna in the ADM Jabalpur case, saying, “That voice of dissent still echoes today — and you have carried its light forward.”
Another lawyer remarked, “Though you’re retiring from the bench, your service to the Constitution continues.”
Appointed as the 51st Chief Justice on November 11, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna concluded his tenure on May 13, 2025. Though brief, his time as CJI was marked by key rulings, efforts to increase transparency, and an unwavering dedication to constitutional ethics and judicial integrity., Successor Justice Gavai Will Uphold SC Ideals’: CJI Sanjiv Khanna Bids Farewell
New Delhi, May 13 – On his final day in office, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna expressed deep emotion and gratitude, voicing strong confidence that his successor, Justice B R Gavai, would continue to uphold the values of the Supreme Court, safeguard fundamental rights, and adhere to core constitutional principles.
The ceremonial bench for the occasion featured CJI Khanna, Justice Gavai, and Justice Sanjay Kumar, marking a moment of reflection and celebration not only of Justice Khanna’s tenure but also of the enduring legacy of his uncle, Justice H R Khanna.
Describing Justice Gavai as his “greatest support,” CJI Khanna shared that their long association, including shared time in the collegium, gave him full faith in Justice Gavai’s leadership and dedication to the judiciary’s ideals.
“We were elevated the same year, worked closely, and I know that Justice Gavai will be an outstanding Chief Justice who will uphold the Court’s integrity, rights of the people, and foundational doctrines,” he said. Reflecting on his time in the judiciary, CJI Khanna added, “I’m overwhelmed. I carry many cherished memories that will stay with me for life.”
He emphasized the collaborative relationship between the bench and the bar, calling lawyers the “conscience keepers” of the system. He also praised the Supreme Court’s diversity, noting how the judges’ varied backgrounds led to more informed and balanced decisions.
Justice Gavai, who will take over as the 52nd Chief Justice on May 14, paid tribute to Justice Khanna for building on his family’s historic judicial legacy. Referring to his predecessor’s uncle, who stood alone in defense of constitutional rights during the Emergency, Justice Gavai said, “Justice Sanjiv Khanna didn’t just inherit that legacy — he made it his own.”
He commended Justice Khanna’s clarity, integrity, and unwavering focus on constitutional rights, calling his judgments elegant and principled. Reflecting on their shared journey, he added, “This isn’t a farewell, but a transition. What ends today is not a career, but the start of a new chapter.”
Justice Sanjay Kumar offered a glimpse into CJI Khanna’s working style, describing his remarkable memory, patience with lawyers, and calm demeanor. He praised his ability to handle issues — judicial or administrative — with focused dedication and practical wisdom.
Recalling one instance, Justice Kumar said Khanna’s advice helped him finalize a pending procedural matter, preventing unnecessary case backlog. “His words helped me see the broader impact,” he said.
Attorney General R Venkataramani highlighted Justice Khanna’s quiet but impactful leadership. “You leave a void. Like a calm river, you achieved so much with grace,” he said, lauding the CJI’s logical, clear, and value-driven judgments.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta praised Justice Khanna’s sharp legal mind and insightful decisions, saying even lawyers who lost cases before him felt enriched. “Your rulings were clear, brief, and always enlightening,” he said.
Supreme Court Bar Association president Kapil Sibal and other senior lawyers also offered glowing tributes. One compared Justice Khanna’s retirement to that of cricketer Virat Kohli, calling both legends. Sibal described Khanna as “a streak across the sky never forgotten,” and “a beacon of justice” who inspired the next generation.
He also referenced the iconic dissent of Justice H R Khanna in the ADM Jabalpur case, saying, “That voice of dissent still echoes today — and you have carried its light forward.”
Another lawyer remarked, “Though you’re retiring from the bench, your service to the Constitution continues.”
Appointed as the 51st Chief Justice on November 11, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna concluded his tenure on May 13, 2025. Though brief, his time as CJI was marked by key rulings, efforts to increase transparency, and an unwavering dedication to constitutional ethics and judicial integrity.
