Key Announcement by Former Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who recently retired as the Chief Justice of India, made a significant announcement on Tuesday during his farewell ceremony held at the Supreme Court premises. Speaking to reporters, Justice Sanjiv Khanna declared that he would not accept any government post following his retirement.

This statement gains prominence against the backdrop of several former Chief Justices and judges of the Supreme Court who, after retirement, have taken up positions within the government—often a subject of public debate and criticism. Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s assertion that he would not follow this path marks a noteworthy departure from this trend.

In his farewell address, Justice Sanjiv Khanna also commented on what he described as the increasing trend of dishonesty within the legal profession. He urged both judges and lawyers to work towards maintaining the trust of the public in the judiciary. He expressed his commitment to continue serving the legal domain even after retirement. Describing his career as a lawyer and judge as two completed innings, he stated that he is preparing to undertake a new role in his “third innings” to contribute further to the field of law.

During the farewell event, incoming Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai and several other Supreme Court judges praised Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s judicial contributions and his warm and dignified approach. Attorney General R. Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Supreme Court Bar Association President and senior advocate Kapil Sibal, among others, also spoke at the ceremony.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019. He assumed office as the Chief Justice of India on November 11 last year.