As Justice Sanjiv Khanna prepares to assume the role of the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, he has had to forgo one of his cherished daily rituals — his solitary morning walks.
For years, Justice Khanna began his day with a solo walk, striding through Lodhi Garden and the streets near his residence, relishing the anonymity that allowed him a moment of peace in bustling Delhi. This routine was disrupted last month, however, when his appointment as the next Chief Justice of India was officially announced. Following this, security advisories suggested that he should be accompanied by security personnel during his walks. Known for his preference for privacy, Justice Khanna reportedly opted to give up his morning walks rather than compromise on his solitude.
Justice Khanna’s deep roots in Delhi reflect a close connection to the city’s landscape. He completed his schooling at Modern School on Barakhamba Road, followed by graduation from St Stephen’s College and a law degree from Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre. His familiarity with the capital’s streets and bylanes extends beyond just the physical terrain; he is known to maintain friendships from his school and college days, often visiting friends in his own car without security fanfare.
Friends describe Justice Khanna as a reserved individual who shies away from publicity. An instance of this took place during the May Lok Sabha elections, when reporters had gathered at the Nirman Bhawan polling station in anticipation of his arrival. Justice Khanna, however, surprised them by arriving in his personal vehicle rather than his official car with its security detail, thus bypassing the gathered media unnoticed.
Justice Khanna is set for a six-month tenure as the Chief Justice, after which he will retire on May 13, 2025.
