Justice Khanna: Public Trust Must Be Earned, Not Demanded

Swift Summary

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna served as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a tenure marked by transparency adn challenges.
• Public praise followed his handling of a Delhi High Court judge’s corruption case, including uploading related materials on the Supreme Court website.
• On his last working day, he stated, “Public trust in judiciary cannot be commanded.it has to be earned.”
• Justice Khanna highlighted values imparted by his grandfather and pledged not to accept any post-retirement jobs but remain engaged with law-related activities.
• His judgments are noted for strengthening constitutional principles like liberty and rule of law while maintaining judicial integrity and fairness.
• Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and other law officers lauded his clarity, sense of justice, dignity-enhancing judgments, and his intense questioning skills during cases.

!Justice Khanna

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Indian Opinion Analysis

Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s short but impactful stint as CJI emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability within India’s judiciary system. His actions regarding the corruption case involving a fellow judge demonstrated moral courage essential for safeguarding public trust in democratic institutions. by refusing post-retirement positions while continuing to contribute to legal discourse informally, he reinforced principles essential for judicial independence.

His legacy as an independent thinker aligns closely with constitutional values such as fundamental rights-a narrative supported by accolades from legal peers recognizing his intellect and commitment to justice. As CJI-designate B R Gavai takes over the reins of leadership at this crucial juncture in India’s legal landscape, continued emphasis on these principles could enhance public confidence in justice delivery systems further.