Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna marked his final day in office on Tuesday, May 13, with an emotional farewell ceremony at the Supreme Court. In his farewell address, he said that it bothers him that the legal profession lacks truth.
“As I step down, I wish to speak of something that bothers me—truth deficit in our profession. We need more advocates to embrace the court of duty, offering services to the needy,” he said.
He further said that under his tenure the Supreme Court was able to achieve, for the first time in several years, a case clearance ratio of more than 100%.
"One goal which I would like to share, which I was partially able to achieve - the SC has, for the first time in several years achieved the case clearance ratio of more than 100% with reaching 106%. The Court disposed of more cases than were filed, allowing us to reduce the backlog,” he said.
Speaking about his legal journey, Justice Khanna said, “My journey began in 1983, and it is ending just where it started, and I began my journey not as a lawyer but as someone who used to look after court proceedings,” he said, recalling the crucial role of advocates in the justice system.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that the weight of responsibility has lifted off his shoulders.
“I became the CJI at 64 years of age, and I am eager to get rid of the judge in me. I felt a sense of bliss this morning as the weight of responsibility finally lifted off my shoulders. In truth, it feels like a chance to reclaim life, a beginning of a new time. I will now be working as a lawyer and then as a judge for 42 years,” he said.
He used the occasion to express his confidence in his successor, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, calling him “brilliant” and affirming his belief that the court was in capable hands. Justice BR Gavai will be sworn in as the the 52nd CJI on May 14.
Justice Khanna added that public trust can only be earned through sincere commandment just like the Supreme Court has done and proven.
Justice Khanna shared two key experiences that shaped his perspective on justice. The first was his interaction with young citizens who displayed the courage to stand up for themselves. The second was his engagement with jail inmates, including undertrials, socially conscious police officers, dedicated paralegal volunteers, and villagers who were aware of their rights. He emphasized that access to justice is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for everyone.