New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna retired on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. He passed on the baton to Justice BR Gavai. Addressing a ceremonial bench on the day of his retirement, CJI Khanna lauded Justice Gavai. He said he was certain his successor CJI-designate Justice Gavai would uphold the values of the Supreme Court, fundamental rights and the basic constitutional doctrines.
The ceremonial bench comprised the outgoing CJI, Justice Gavai, and Justice Sanjay Kumar. " While expressing confidence in Justice Gavai's leadership and commitment to constitutional values, the CJI called him his "biggest support".
"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. And I am sure that you have in Justice Gavai an excellent chief justice who's going to uphold the institution and who's going to uphold the fundamental rights who's going to uphold our basic doctrines which we have adopted and applied," CJI Khanna said.
In his parting remarks, Justice Khanna expressed gratitude, reflecting on the memories he carries from his years in the judiciary and 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 said
"Another thing is the biggest plus factor in this court. We have judges from different parts of the country, and they with different thought processes, different backgrounds, they are able to when we discuss, we are able to find a lot of solutions. We were able to find out the right path," CJI Khanna added.
Notably, CJI Khanna was part of several landmark rulings, including Article 370 and electoral bonds.
Notably, Justice Gavai will take charge as the 52nd CJI on Wednesday, May 14.
