On his last day in office, Chief Justice of India Mr. Sanjiv Khanna announced that he would not accept any official position after retirement but would remain active in the legal domain. Appointed as the 51st CJI on November 11, 2024, Justice Khanna retired on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of his tenure.
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Addressing reporters at the Supreme Court complex after completing formal court proceedings, the outgoing Chief Justice said, “I will not accept any post after retirement… Maybe I’ll do something in the field of law.” He added that many retired Supreme Court judges often engage in mediation and legal advisory roles, hinting that he may pursue a similar path in what he described as his “third innings.”
When questioned about the controversial cash dispute involving High Court Judge Mr. Yashwant Varma, Justice Khanna emphasized the importance of a thoughtful and balanced judicial approach.
“Judicial thinking should be decisive. We weigh both the positive and negative aspects of a case and then make a rational decision based on multiple factors,” he said.
His successor, Justice B R Gavai, who has been nominated as the next Chief Justice of India, has also indicated a similar stance on post-retirement roles, suggesting he, too, may decline government-appointed posts after leaving office.
Justice Khanna’s decision reflects a growing trend among top judges to maintain judicial independence and integrity by refraining from accepting political or quasi-judicial appointments after retirement.
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