Rahul Gandhi Gives a Miss to Justice Sanjiv Khanna's Swearing-In Ceremony

New Delhi: Leer of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress ' Rahul Gandhi remained absent from swearing-in ceremony of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as 51st Chief Justice of India. President Droupi Murmu ministered oath of office to him at a brief swearing-in ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Justice Khanna took oath in English in name of god.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and former CJI J S Khehar were among those present on occasion, besides Justice Chandrachud. However, Congress leer Rahul Gandhi was missing from ceremony as he  joined his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vra on last day of bypoll campaign for Wayan Lok Sabha seat. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vra is UDF candidate contesting in bypoll.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st CJI

India's 51st Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has his imprint on several landmark judgements such as upholding sanctity of EVMs, abrogation of Article 370, scrapping electoral bonds scheme and granting interim bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal .

Hailing from an illustrious Delhi-based family, Justice Khanna is son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and nephew of iconic late former apex court judge H R Khanna.

A third-generation lawyer before being elevated to Delhi High Court, 64-year-old is driven by zeal to reduce pendency and speed up justice delivery.

He was recommended by predecessor CJI D Y Chandrachud as his successor on October 17 and was sworn in as CJI on Monday. Justice Khanna will retire on May 13, 2025, after serving over six months as he of judiciary.

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna will serve as CJI for a little over six months and demit office on May 13, 2025, on attaining of 65 years.

He succeeds Justice D Y Chandrachud, who demitted office on vember 10.