
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna announced on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, that requests for urgent listing and hearing of cases will no longer be accepted orally in court. Lawyers are now required to submit their requests via email or in written form, outlining the reasons for urgency. Traditionally, lawyers would approach the CJI-led bench at the beginning of the day to seek out-of-turn listings for urgent cases.
Upon taking office as the 51st Chief Justice of India, Justice Khanna laid out a people-centered agenda for judicial reforms, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair access to justice and equal treatment for all citizens, irrespective of their status. He emphasized that the judiciary, while part of the governance framework, functions independently and is entrusted with safeguarding the Constitution and citizens’ fundamental rights.
In his first public statement as CJI, Justice Khanna expressed his dedication to leading the judiciary, viewing it as both a constitutional guardian and a service provider of justice. “The judicial system,” he stated, “must uphold principles of fair opportunity and impartial judgment, ensuring that every individual, regardless of status or wealth, has a fair chance to succeed.” This, he noted, aligns with the judiciary’s constitutional duty to protect citizens’ rights and ensure justice is accessible to all.
The new Chief Justice has highlighted urgent challenges facing the judicial system, such as reducing case backlogs, lowering litigation costs, and simplifying legal procedures. He envisions making courts more accessible and user-friendly for all citizens and plans to foster a more self-evaluative and feedback-oriented approach within the judiciary.
Promoting mediation and making judgments more comprehensible are key aspects of his reform agenda. With a focus on improving criminal case management, Justice Khanna aims to streamline trial durations, adopt systematic approaches, and simplify legal procedures to ease the burden on citizens.