Complete List of Chief Justices of India from 1950 to 2024: History, Tenure & Milestones

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The Chief Justices of India have shaped the country’s legal landscape since 1950, contributing significantly to the judiciary’s evolution and independence. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the Chief Justices’ tenures, their key contributions, and notable milestones.

Introduction

Since 1950, India has witnessed a dynamic progression in its judiciary, spearheaded by the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. We delve into their impactful contributions and legacies, helping you understand their influence on Indian law and governance.

Role and Appointment of the Chief Justice of India (CJI)

• Position: The Chief Justice of India is the highest-ranking judicial authority and heads the Supreme Court.
• Responsibilities:
• Allocating work among Supreme Court judges.
• Managing special legal benches and critical cases.
• Appointment Process:
• The President of India appoints the CJI based on recommendations from the outgoing Chief Justice.
• Traditionally, the senior-most judge is chosen, though exceptions have occurred, such as in 1973 and 1977.
• Term and Tenure:
• A Chief Justice serves until the age of 65, with provisions for impeachment as per the Constitution.

Noteworthy Facts About Chief Justices of India

• Longest-Serving CJI: Justice Y.V. Chandrachud served for over seven years (1978–1985).
• Shortest Tenure: Justice K.N. Singh held office for only 17 days in 1991.
• First Chief Justice: Justice H.J. Kania assumed office in 1950.
• Current CJI: As of 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna holds office, appointed on November 11, 2024.

List of Chief Justices of India

Below is a comprehensive list of all Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of India appointed after independence, along with their tenure and the Presidents they served under. The current Chief Justice of India is Sanjiv Khanna, appointed on November 11, 2024.

Key Contributions and Milestones of Select CJIs

H.J. Kania (1950-1951)

• Role: First Chief Justice post-independence.
• Contribution: Laid the foundation for India’s judicial system.

Y.V. Chandrachud (1978-1985)

• Longest Tenure: Served for over seven years.
• Impact: Noted for progressive judgments, including cases that influenced personal freedoms.

Notable Women in Judiciary

• Justice Fatimah Beevi: First female Supreme Court judge, served from 1989 to 1992.

Challenges Faced by the Judiciary

• Appointment Controversies: Notably in 1973 (Justice A.N. Ray’s appointment) and 1977.
• Judicial Independence: Ensuring autonomy and protecting the judiciary from political influences has been a recurring challenge.

Focus on Current Chief Justice (2024)

Justice Sanjiv Khanna

• Appointed: November 11, 2024.
• Expected Term: Six months.
• Priorities:
• Streamlining case backlog.
• Strengthening judicial accountability.

FAQs about Chief Justices of India

1. Who was the first Chief Justice of India?

• Justice H.J. Kania was the first CJI, serving from 1950 to 1951.

2. Who is the current Chief Justice of India?

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna, appointed in November 2024.

3. What is the retirement age of the Chief Justice?

• 65 years.

4. Can a Chief Justice be removed?

• Yes, through parliamentary impeachment as outlined in the Constitution.

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