Breaking: Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Sanjiv Khanna Sworn In As SC Judges, Khanna.J Likely To Be CJI In 2024

Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna were sworn in today as Supreme Court judges, taking the number of SC judges to 28.

The swearing in ceremony took place in the chamber of the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi ar 10.30 AM today.

Justice Dinesh Maheshwari was earlier the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. Justice Khanna was a judge of Delhi High Court.

On Wednesday, the President had notified their appointments, within 6 days of SC collegium recommending their elevation.

The Collegium decision taken on January 10 to recommend their elevation has created controversy, as it was in reversal of the previous decision taken on December 12 to recommend the elevation of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, Chief Justices of Rajasthan and Delhi High Courts respectively.  

This overturn has drawn a lot of flak from several quarters. Justice Kaul has reportedly written to the CJI expressing his displeasure over the decision to elevate Justice Khanna superseding Justice Nandrajog.  Former CJI R M Lodha, former SC judge Justice Chelameswar, former Delhi HC judge Justice A P Shah have made public their criticism of the collegium decision. Kailash Gambhir, senior advocate and ex-Delhi HC judge had written to the President questioning the decision.

Justice Maheshwari will be having a term till May 15, 2023 in the Supreme Court.

Justice Khanna, who will have a term till May 14, 2025, is likely to be Chief Justice of India from November 10, 2024, after the possible term of Justice Chandrachud as CJI.