Chief Justice-Designate Sanjiv Khanna Had to Give Up His Morning Walks After Being Nominated as CJI; Here’s Why

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday, has had to give up a favourite habit – his morning walk alone.

Every morning, Justice Khanna would walk alone for several kilometres around the Lodhi Garden area and his house, believing that no one would recognise him. However, after the notification of his becoming the Chief Justice was issued last month, he was advised to go on walks with security. But Justice Khanna declined as he is not used to walking with security, and gave up his morning walk altogether.

Justice Khanna completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road, graduation from St Stephen’s College, and law from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi. He is well acquainted with every corner of Delhi and even today keeps in touch with his school, college and law centre friends. His friends say that he has not changed since his school and college days. “He is simple, quiet and prefers to stay away from cameras and publicity,” a friend said.

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An example of this was seen during the Lok Sabha elections in May, when many journalists were waiting for him to cast his vote at the Nirman Bhawan polling station in Delhi. Justice Khanna came in his personal car and went back after voting, without any official car or security, due to which journalists did not recognize him.

Justice Khanna’s term as Chief Justice will be for six months and he will retire on May 13, 2025.