Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Posted 12 Nov 2024

2 min read

The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About appointment of CJI 

  • The senior-most Supreme Court judge, considered fit for the role, is usually appointed as CJI on the recommendation of the outgoing CJI. 
    • This convention was breached in 1964, 1973, and 1977. 
  • The Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs seeks this recommendation, which is then sent to the Prime Minister, who advises the President on the appointment. 
    • Under Article 124 (2), every Judge of the SC be appointed by the President and shall hold office until he attains the age of 65 year. 

Key Role of CJI 

  • First amongst the equals: SC in the State of Rajasthan v Prakash Chand (1997) ruled that the CJI is the head of the judiciary and holds a leadership position, they do not hold any superior judicial authority over the other Supreme Court judges. 
  • Master of the Roster:  It is the exclusive power of the CJI to constitute Benches (including Constitution benches), to hear cases
  • Head of Collegium: CJI heads the Collegium for judicial appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary. 
  • Appointment officers and servants of SC: It shall be made by the CJI or such other Judge or officer of the Court as he may direct (Article 146).

About Collegium 

  • It is a system for making recommendations for appointment of judges of SC and HC. 
    • Judges are appointed by President under Article 124 and 217 (respectively for SC and HC) of Constitution. 
  • For appointment in SC: Collegium consists of CJI and four other senior-most judges of the SC.
  • For appointment in HC
    • Collegium at HC consists of Chief Justice of HC and two senior judges of the concerned HC.
    • Collegium at SC consists of CJI and two seniormost Judges of the SC.
  • Tags :
  • Supreme Court
  • CJI
  • Collegium System
  • Chief Justice of India
  • High court collegium
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