October 17, 2024: In a significant move, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjay Y Chandrachud has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Supreme Court’s senior-most judge, as his successor to the Union government. This decision initiates the formal process of succession ahead of Justice Chandrachud's retirement on November 10, 2024.

Justice Khanna, who is poised to take over as Chief Justice of India, will serve a term of approximately six months until his own retirement on May 13, 2025. Sources indicate that CJI Chandrachud personally delivered the nomination letter to Justice Khanna on Wednesday morning.

The recommendation follows a letter from the central government to CJI Chandrachud on October 12, requesting the name of his successor. It is customary for the law ministry to reach out to the CJI about a month prior to their retirement to facilitate this process.

CJI Chandrachud has held his position since November 9, 2022, and his nomination of Justice Khanna reflects a continuation of the seniority principle that governs appointments in the judiciary.