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Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday retired from the Supreme Court, marking the end of a distinguished judicial journey with a message of confidence in his successor, CJI-designate Justice B R Gavai. At a ceremonial bench comprising Justices Gavai and Sanjay Kumar, the outgoing CJI reflected on his legacy and expressed faith in the values of constitutional morality, fundamental rights, and judicial integrity.

“I am sure that you have in Justice Gavai an excellent Chief Justice who’s going to uphold the institution, who’s going to uphold the fundamental rights, who’s going to uphold our basic doctrines which we have adopted and applied,” Justice Khanna said. He added, “What to say about Justice and CJI-designate B R Gavai. We got elevated the same year. Here we are in the collegium, and thereafter, we have interacted on several occasions. And I must say, he has been my biggest support.”

Recalling his time on the bench, Justice Khanna said, “I am overwhelmed. I carry with me a lot of memories. Memories that are very nice and will remain with me throughout my life.” He also acknowledged the crucial role of the bar in sustaining public trust in the judiciary. “The judiciary is not just judges; it includes the bar. You are the conscious keepers of the system,” he stated, as per news agency PTI.

Justice Khanna lauded the diversity within the apex court, saying, “We have judges from different parts of the country, and they with different thought processes, different backgrounds… when we discuss, we are able to find a lot of solutions. We were able to find out the right path.”

CJI-Designate Gavai Lauds His Predecessor Sanjiv Khanna For 'Sincere Intent, Relentless Commitment'

Justice Gavai, who will assume office as CJI on May 14, said, “What ends today is not a career, but the beginning of another.” He praised Justice Khanna for embracing and extending the legacy of his uncle, the late Justice H R Khanna, who had delivered the lone dissent in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency. “To walk in the shadow of such a name is no small task… but Justice Sanjiv Khanna did more than uphold that legacy — he made it his own,” said Justice Gavai.

He described Justice Khanna’s judgments as “simple, elegant, and imbued with constitutional values,” and appreciated his clarity, moral conviction, and commitment to fundamental rights. He also highlighted their shared journey from elevation to the apex court to collegium deliberations, calling it “a privilege.”

Justice Sanjay Kumar, who sat with the CJI for over 10 months, praised his working style and calm demeanour. “He doesn’t make notes. Everything — page numbers, paragraph numbers, contents — comes from memory,” he said. He added that Justice Khanna never lost his temper with unprepared lawyers, instead gently urging them to come prepared next time.

“He approached every problem, whether judicial or administrative, with sincere intent and relentless commitment,” said Justice Kumar. Recalling a procedural matter, he shared how Justice Khanna’s insight prevented a potential delay: “He pointed out that if I kept it pending, cases all over the country would just pile up, and that was not a good situation.”

Attorney General R Venkataramani described the outgoing CJI as someone who “added immense value to the court.” He remarked, “Your Lordship leaves a void not easily filled. Like a river flowing quietly, you accomplished much with grace.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta echoed the sentiments, noting the CJI’s legal acumen and clarity. “Even if litigants lost, we lawyers felt enriched. We always left with a new insight,” he said, appreciating the crisp and clear verdicts that distinguished legal judgment from academic writing.

Supreme Court Bar Association president and senior advocate Kapil Sibal also paid glowing tributes. “You are the streak across the sky that is never forgotten,” he said. Calling Justice Khanna “a beacon of light who elevated the stature of the court,” Sibal added, “Your intuitive sense of justice, your transparency, and your encouragement to young lawyers will not be forgotten. You’ve set a standard for generations to come.”

Drawing a parallel with Justice H R Khanna’s iconic dissent, Sibal said, “Today, that dissent echoes louder than the forgotten majority. And you, Justice Khanna, have carried that flame forward.”

“You may be retiring from the bench,” another senior lawyer remarked, “but your service to the Constitution is far from over.”

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was elevated as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, and served until May 13, 2025. His brief tenure was marked by landmark rulings, transparency measures, and a resolute commitment to constitutional morality and judicial accountability.