CJI Sanjiv Khanna Unveils Vision for a User-Friendly Judiciary

Newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, emphasizes a user-friendly judiciary focused on accessibility and efficiency. He outlines plans for addressing case backlogs, promoting mediation, and simplifying legal procedures. Justice Khanna aims to enhance the justice delivery framework through systematic reforms and unbiased adjudication.

With a focused agenda on citizens, the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, articulated his goal to transform courts into accessible and user-friendly spaces. He reinforced the judiciary's crucial role as a separate, yet essential, branch of governance. The 51st Chief Justice identified several challenges, including reducing case backlogs, making litigation more affordable and accessible, and simplifying complicated legal processes.

Justice Khanna assumed office today, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath. He expressed deep respect for leading democracy's judicial wing, emphasizing its role as a constitutional guardian and justice provider. CJI Khanna stressed the need for the judiciary to remain receptive to feedback and prioritized making judgments clear to all citizens.

Justice Khanna aims to promote mediation and ensure the justice system offers equal opportunities for success, irrespective of status, wealth, or power. His commitment to reforming criminal case management and shortening trial durations is evident as he strives to prevent legal proceedings from burdening citizens. Succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Khanna will serve as Chief Justice of India for six months, until May 13, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)