New Delhi: Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the most senior judge on the Supreme Court, is likely to be appointed as the next Chief Justice of India. Current Chief Justice DY Chandrachud has recommended Justice Khanna for this role to the Central Government. Should the government accept this recommendation, Justice Khanna will become the 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
As per standard procedures, the current Chief Justice will draft a letter outlining the recommendation, which will be sent to the Union Law Ministry. This letter will then be submitted to the Prime Minister for review before it is forwarded to the President for final approval. The new Chief Justice will officially take office once the President grants consent.
October 17, 2024
It is customary for the Chief Justice to propose the most senior Supreme Court judge as their successor, and Justice Khanna meets this requirement as he ranks next in seniority to Justice DY Chandrachud. Justice Chandrachud's tenure ends on November 11 of this year, with Justice Khanna expected to assume his new position on November 12. He is anticipated to serve for six months before his retirement on May 13 of the following year.