CJI Sanjiv Khanna Retirement | Outgoing Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, in an emotional and reflective farewell address on Tuesday, underscored the importance of public trust in the judiciary, emphasizing that it must be “earned, not commanded”. Speaking at the ceremonial bench sitting of the Supreme Court, CJI Khanna addressed a courtroom full of lawyers, judges, and dignitaries, marking the end of his tenure as the 51st Chief Justice of India.
CJI Khanna reminded members of the bar and the bench that the judiciary comprises both — judges and advocates — and that lawyers serve as “a built-in check” on the system.
“Judiciary is a common term which refers to both the judges and the bar. You (the bar) are the conscience-keeper… Public trust cannot be commanded. It has to be earned through the actions of both the bench and the bar,” he stated.
Reflecting on his years in the legal profession, CJI Khanna said, “Once you are a lawyer, you remain a lawyer. I carry with me a lot of memories — fond ones — that I will cherish.”
Upholding Judicial Legacy: From H R Khanna to Sanjiv Khanna
Justice B R Gavai, who will succeed Khanna as the next Chief Justice of India, paid glowing tributes, calling him “the perfect example of a gentleman in court.” He also drew a parallel between CJI Khanna and his uncle, the legendary Justice H R Khanna, whose dissent in the ADM Jabalpur case remains a landmark in the defence of civil liberties.
“You upheld the values that your uncle stood for. Your judgments reflect clarity, compassion, and commitment to the Constitution,” said Justice Gavai.
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Justice Gavai also lauded CJI Khanna for pushing transparency, referencing the decision under his leadership for Supreme Court judges to publish their asset declarations, calling it a “landmark move.”
In an interaction with reporters after the ceremony, CJI Khanna made it clear that he would not accept any post-retirement government position.
“I will not accept any post-retirement post. But perhaps I will do something with law,” he said, hinting at continued engagement with legal reform or academia.
Handling Controversy with Dignity: Justice Yashwant Varma Case
Asked about the controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma, CJI Khanna offered a principled response: “Unlike lawyers, judges are focused on deciding a matter based on the facts and law before them. The future will decide whether we were right.”
Sources say that CJI Khanna has recommended initiating the process for Justice Varma’s removal, amid allegations of unaccounted cash discovered at the latter’s residence.
The farewell ceremony was replete with accolades from India’s legal fraternity:
- Attorney General R Venkataramani praised Khanna’s “clarity and sense of justice” and said his departure leaves a void that “cannot be easily filled.”
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described his judgments as “short, crisp, and powerful,” and said Justice H R Khanna would be proud.
- SCBA President Kapil Sibal called him a carrier of his uncle’s legacy: “There is no branch of law where your clarity was missing.”
- Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave compared CJI Khanna to a cricket all-rounder: “Batting with the Constitution, fielding with fundamental rights, and bowling with justice in mind.”
‘An Institution Led with Patience and Purpose’
Justice Sanjay Kumar, who shared the bench with CJI Khanna, praised his “unending patience”, especially when dealing with unprepared lawyers — a trait he said was a testament to Khanna’s deep respect for the profession and the people it serves.
As CJI Khanna stepped down, he left behind a judiciary stronger in transparency, constitutional values, and public credibility — the pillars he consistently reinforced during his tenure.
