On August 18, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna took the oath of office as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI). It is a landmark event for the country as this particular position happens to hold such high importance in the country’s judicial history. With a long background, deep knowledge of law, and commitment to justice, Justice Khanna enters into a new era. This blog attempts to trace the journey of Justice Khanna and his priorities as a Chief Justice of India, and what may be likely changes he could usher into the judiciary.
A Long and Distinguished Judicial Career
Justice Sanjiv Khanna has a long and illustrious career in the judiciary. He became a judge of the Delhi High Court in 2005 after a sterling career in law practice. With years of reputation for integrity, legal acumen, and ability to handle complex cases, he comes with landmark cases in areas such as constitutional law, environmental law, and human rights.
During his tenure in Delhi High Court, there have been many prominent judgments that he has made, which solidify his commitment towards justice. 2018 was the year that elevated him as Supreme Court of India, and he further went on to make judgments that built him a reputation as one of the most respected jurists of India.
Issues Awaiting Justice Khanna
Chief Justice Khanna will have to cross many issues as his tenure would begin and call for widespread deliberation and reform. The biggest issue is the increasing backlog of cases within Indian courts. Indian courts are renowned for their slowness in delivering justice, which has invited much criticism for judicial reforms. Justice Khanna even spoke sometime earlier regarding better case management and more efficient systems to handle the increasing caseload.
The judiciary should always be kept independent. Keeping the Supreme Court free of any interference is very essential, especially in the present highly politically charged atmosphere. Justice Khanna will come under pressure from every quarter. But for experiences with such pressures in the past, he is expected to carry on with independence of the judiciary undeterred.
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Reform Imperatives: Judiciary Modernisation Through Digitisation
One sector in which Justice Khanna is likely to emphasize would be digitalization of the judiciary. It was the COVID-19 pandemic that made it a matter of urgency to make arrangements for distance hearings and digital case management systems, many cases being conducted on virtual platforms. This threw open the scope and limitations of such an approach. Antecedently, Justice Khanna has always emphasized the use of technology in the judicial process for making it more accessible, transparent, and efficient.
His leadership should give an impetus to full digitalization in the justice system. We will see much more online filing, virtual hearing arrangements, and digitization of case records that should greatly reduce the time-lag and make the journey smoother for litigants. In addition, it may also lead to the wider availability of judicial recourse at least in all parts of the country, particularly in rural regions where access to courts often remains a problem.
Combating Decline: Shoring Up Constitutionalism and Human Rights
Justice Khanna has always been the votary of protecting constitutional values and human rights. His judgments testify, in no unclear terms, to deep personal commitment to liberty, law, and rule of law.
There have been much debate in recent times in the Indian parlance over issues pertaining to privacy, speech, and religious freedom. Justice Khanna will significantly play a role in better redressing these issues. His method of balancing the rights of the individual citizen versus that of the State will form the basis for many judgments in the future. In addition, an emphasis by Justice Khanna on human rights would strengthen the position of the judiciary as protector of citizens’ rights against state action.
Strengthening Accountability and Transparency of the Judiciary
Accountability in the judiciary: The second area where the Chief Justice may focus his energies is judicial accountability.Justice Khanna in the past has sponsored measures aimed at increasing the transparency in appointments to judgeships and judicial functioning. Chances are that as Chief Justice, he will drive further reforms meant for increased public confidence in the judicial system.
This could, for one thing, provide a much-needed opportunity to make the process of choosing judges more transparent. He would also take further steps in the implementation of proceedings in the judicial processes to be more public-oriented and open, which will contribute more to the lightening up of the perceived judicial distrust with him as the head. This will increase more trust in the judiciary and enhance its neutrality role in dispensing justice.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Indian Judiciary
So far, his tenure at the Supreme Court of India has further deepened his reputation as an impartial and knowledgeable jurist. As he assumes the position of CJI, Justice Khanna would certainly face many challenges, but experience, integrity, and focus on reform would help him scale such hurdles.
The coming years may see a major reformation in the judicial setup, focusing much on efficiency and effectiveness with transparency and much more attention on human rights. With his vision and specialty, the Indian legal system stands to benefit immensely under his leadership as the Chief Justice of India. Click here for the source
