Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the head of the Supreme Court, the highest judicial body in the country, and presides over the Indian judiciary system. Since its inception on January 26, 1950, the Supreme Court of India has had 50 Chief Justices who have contributed significantly to shaping the nation’s legal and constitutional landscape. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who took office as the 50th CJI, retired in November 2024, following which Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumed office as the 51st CJI. This article will provide a detailed look at the Chief Justices of India from 1950 to 2024, the role of the CJI, key challenges faced by the judiciary, and landmark rulings that have shaped the Indian legal system.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna 51st Chief Justice of India

The President of India appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India, effective November 11, 2024. This appointment is by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint judges to the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India. Justice Khanna, who is currently a judge of the Supreme Court of India, will assume this esteemed role following the retirement of the current Chief Justice.

Justice Khanna is recognized for his contributions to the judiciary, including his rulings on constitutional law, human rights, and public interest litigation. Justice Sanjiv Khanna succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, whose term as the CJI concluded, allowing Justice Khanna to take on the role. As the head of the judiciary and a prominent member of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India holds a significant position, overseeing judicial administration and ensuring the smooth functioning of India’s judicial system.

Also Read: Appointment of Chief Justice of India

Chief Justice of India List From 1950-2024

Look at the table below to see a list of every Supreme Court judge since independence. The Chief Justice of India List Name, their term, high courts, and Presidents they worked for are listed in the following table for the contenders.

Who is the Chief Justice of India?

The Supreme Court of India and the Indian judicial system are led by India’s Chief Justice. In other terms, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the highest-ranked official in the Indian legal system. The President selects the Chief Justice of India from the bench of Supreme Court judges based on their seniority. The CJI ensures that the Supreme Court continues to operate properly, including through the assignment of cases, roster maintenance, and other tasks.

First Chief Justice of Supreme Court

Sir Harilal Jekisondas Kania, the first Chief Justice of India, was born on November 3, 1890, in Surat, Gujarat who served from November 2, 1958, to January 26, 1961, and was succeeded by Justice M. Patanjali Sastri, who served from January 26, 1964, to January 3, 1954. His father was a Sanskrit professor and principal of Samaldas College.

Justice Kania graduated with a BA from Samaldas College in 1910 and earned his LLB and LLM from Government Law College, Bombay, in 1912 and 1913. He started practising at the Bombay High Court in 1915, often alongside his brother, Hirajlal. In 1987, Hirajlal’s son, M.H. Kania, also became a Supreme Court judge. Early in his career, Justice Kania worked as Acting Editor for Indian Law Reports.

First Woman Chief Justice of India

Ms Justice M. Fathima Beevi was born on April 30, 1927, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Her father was Mr Meera Sahib, and she lived with her mother, Khadeeja Bibi. She attended Catholicate High School in Pathanamthitta and later earned a B.Sc. from University College, Trivandrum, and a law degree from Law College, Trivandrum.

She became an advocate on November 14, 1950. In May 1958, she was appointed as a Munsiff in the Kerala Subordinate Judicial Services and was promoted to various positions: Subordinate Judge in 1968, Chief Judicial Magistrate in 1972, and District & Sessions Judge in 1974. In January 1980, she became a Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.

She was elevated to the High Court as a judge on August 4, 1983, and became a permanent judge on March 14, 1984. She retired from the High Court on April 29, 1989, and then became a judge in the Supreme Court on October 6, 1989, retiring on April 29, 1992.

Chief Justice of India Salary

Chief Justice of India has the highest salary of INR 2,80,000 per month. The Chief Justice also has the highest pension of INR 16,80,000 per annum, plus a gratuity of INR 20,00,000.

Chief Justice of India Salary:-

• Salary: INR 2,80,000 per month
• Pension: INR 16,80,000 per annum + INR 20,00,000 gratuity

Role and Responsibilities of the Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India has a multifaceted role:

• Judicial Duties: Presides over Supreme Court proceedings, allocates cases, and leads the Constitutional bench.
• Administrative Duties: Manages court operations, appoints new judges, and oversees court staff.
• Constitutional Advisor: Advises the President on judicial matters and upholds constitutional values.

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