CJI Sanjiv Khanna Retires, Vows No Post-Retirement Official Roles

New Delhi. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna retired on Tuesday, marking the end of a distinguished judicial career defined by bold interventions, procedural clarity, and institutional reforms. On his final day as the 51st CJI, Justice Khanna made headlines by firmly declaring he would not accept any official post-retirement positions, though he expressed interest in continuing to engage with the law.

“I will not accept any post-retirement post, but perhaps will do something with law,” Justice Khanna stated while addressing questions from the media, signaling his intent to uphold judicial independence even after his tenure.

Reflecting on allegations of corruption against Justice Yashwant Varma, Justice Khanna emphasized the importance of rational and decisive judicial thinking. “Judicial thinking has to be decisive and adjudicatory. We see plus and minus and decide the issue then rationally. When we do that, we take decisions. Then the future tells you whether what you did was correct or not,” he said, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality.

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna hails from a family steeped in legal tradition. His father, Dev Raj Khanna, was a Delhi High Court judge, and his mother, Saroj Khanna, a lecturer at Lady Shri Ram College. He is the nephew of the legendary Supreme Court Justice HR Khanna, whose dissent in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency remains a cornerstone of judicial courage. Justice Khanna’s grandfather, Sarav Dayal, a prominent advocate, served on the Indian National Congress Committee investigating the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

With over three decades of legal experience, Justice Khanna’s career is illustrious. He served as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department before being appointed an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in June 2005. He became a permanent judge in February 2006 and was elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019. As CJI from November 2024 to May 2025, he led with a focus on strengthening judicial processes and institutional integrity.

Justice Khanna’s tenure as CJI was marked by significant rulings and efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the judiciary. His principled exit, declining post-retirement roles, reinforces his commitment to the values of independence and integrity that defined his career.

As the legal fraternity bids farewell to CJI Khanna, his legacy as a jurist of conviction and reform will endure, inspiring future generations of judges and advocates alike.