The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna, celebrating his elevation to the highest position in the Indian judiciary.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Khanna expressed deep gratitude to the Delhi High Court, where he practiced for 22 years and served as a judge for 13 years before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2019.
“This is the most cosmopolitan high court in the country. Nobody is treated as an outsider. My primary aim in coming today was to express my gratitude to my court, my home, for everything I have achieved as a lawyer and then as a judge,” he said.
Justice Khanna, who was sworn in as the 51st CJI on November 11 by President Droupadi Murmu, will hold office until May 13, 2025, upon attaining the age of 65. His appointment marks a proud moment for the Delhi High Court, where he built his illustrious career.
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant, speaking at the event, voiced confidence in Justice Khanna’s leadership and his efforts to reduce case backlogs.
“The entire team of the Supreme Court and high courts will cooperate with the CJI to eliminate arrears to the extent possible. We will extend full support,” Justice Kant assured.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan praised Justice Khanna for his integrity and discipline, stating, “Because of the qualities that he has, we are in for a very good time, and the image of the judiciary and the Supreme Court is bound to improve.”
DHCBA President Mohit Mathur highlighted the significance of Justice Khanna’s elevation, calling it a celebration for the Delhi legal fraternity.
He urged the CJI to address the elevation of lawyers as judges and ensure representation from the high court in the Supreme Court. “After 17 years, we can claim the CJI as ours. More than a felicitation, this is a celebration for all of us,” Mathur remarked.
Justice Khanna comes from a distinguished legal family. His father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, was a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, was a revered Supreme Court judge.
As a third-generation lawyer, the 64-year-old CJI is driven by a commitment to reducing case pendency and expediting justice delivery.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Supreme Court and high court judges, marked a moment of pride for the Delhi High Court and its legal community.
