Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna bid farewell to the Supreme Court on his last day in office, receiving a grand and heartfelt send-off during the ceremonial bench proceedings. The courtroom was filled with members of the legal fraternity, including the Attorney General, Solicitor General, Senior Advocates, and young lawyers, all gathering to honor CJI Khanna's distinguished service.
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"Public trust in the judiciary cannot be commanded; it must be earned," CJI Khanna emphasized in his farewell address, underlining the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and public confidence.
- Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani, admired CJI Khanna's clear and straightforward judgments, highlighting his dedication to safeguarding individual liberties and maintaining institutional integrity.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta praised his precise judgments and patient hearing, stating that CJI Khanna had upheld the values of his uncle, Justice HR Khanna.
- Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, recognized CJI Khanna's encouragement of young advocates and his legacy of clarity across all branches of law. "Your encouragement of young advocates embodies the best qualities of a judge," Sibal noted.
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Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju referenced an article that commended CJI Khanna for "quietly defending the Constitution through trials by fire" without seeking fame, a sentiment echoed by other senior advocates. Raju further highlighted CJI Khanna's humility, recalling an instance where he saw the judge walking alone in Lodhi Gardens without security.
Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave compared CJI Khanna to a cricket all-rounder, stating, "You batted with the Constitution, fielded with fundamental rights, and bowled with justice in mind."
Justice BR Gavai, who succeeded CJI Khanna, described him as a "gentleman in court," emphasizing his clarity of thought, sensitivity to human rights, and commitment to transparency. Justice Sanjay Kumar, who shared the bench with CJI Khanna, praised his unwavering patience and purpose-driven approach to judicial duties.
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In his response, CJI Khanna expressed gratitude for the warm farewell and stated, "Once you are a lawyer, you remain a lawyer. The public trust which the judiciary has cannot be commanded. It has to be earned."
He further highlighted the critical role of lawyers as "the conscience-keepers" of the judiciary, acknowledging that the strength of the judiciary lies in the collaborative efforts of judges and lawyers.
