Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna bid a heartfelt farewell to his colleagues at the Supreme Court as he retired. He passed the top responsibility to Justice BR Gavai. CJI Khanna, in his emotional farewell speech, said that public trust must be earned, not commanded, and emphasized that the Supreme Court has successfully garnered this trust.
“I am speechless. I carry a lot of memories. Once you are a lawyer, you remain a lawyer. The public trust that the judiciary has cannot be commanded and has to be earned. Judiciary is a common term that represents the Bench and the Bar. The bar is the conscience keeper,” said Justice Khanna.
He described Justice BR Gavai as his “biggest support.” Justice Khanna said, “In him, you will have a great CJI. He will uphold the fundamental rights and liberty.”
Perhaps, the most remarkable thing in outgoing CJI’s speech was his commitment to not accept any official post after retirement. “I will not accept any post retirement post, but perhaps will do something with law,” he said.
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How Lawyers Remember Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Tenure?
News24 had a conversation with several advocates from the Supreme Court of India to learn more about Justice Khanna’s tenure in the apex court.
“Hon’ble Justice Khanna held his office with utmost dignity and professionalism. He encouraged young lawyers to take the lead in matters and helped strengthen faith in the judicial system,” said Rohit Kumar, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme court of India.
“As Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna prepares to retire, the legal fraternity reflects on a tenure marked by profound contributions to India’s jurisprudence. He has consistently upheld the principles of transparency, fairness, and constitutional integrity throughout his judicial journey,” said Ujjawal Gaur, Advocate, Supreme Court.
Gaur added, “Beyond his legal acumen, Justice Khanna is fondly remembered for his courtroom demeanour-always patient, occasionally witty and ever so gracious. As a practicing advocate, arguing before Justice Khanna was like playing chess with a grandmaster who occasionally let you think you had the upper hand.”
“As Justice Khanna steps down, lawyers will recall his reign, A tenure marked by clarity, easing many a legal pain. He set a high bar, a ‘khanna’-seur’s touch, in every decree, leaving behind precedents, for all the legal fraternity. His judgments, a treasure, a lawyer’s guiding light, ‘Khanna’-see’ his like again, we might not, quiet,” said Shailendra Singh, Advocate, Supreme Court.
Advocate from Supreme Court, Harshvardhan Mall Vishen, said, “Justice Khanna’s wisdom, a clear and steady hand, guides the court. He upholds the law’s true canons, leaving no room for legal sleight of hand. With a mind as sharp as any legal blade, his judgments are a legacy, finely made. His legal ‘khanna’-ledge, a gift to the nation, ensures justice finds its proper station.”
“CJI’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, acknowledged as emphasized by his statements. Clarity and wisdom—recognized his clear and insightful legal reasoning. Appreciate his ability to navigate complex legal issues with wisdom,” said Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Advocate, Supreme Court.
