As Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna prepares to demit office on May 13, 2025, he left behind a message that resonates deeply with the Indian legal fraternity. At a farewell function organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), CJI Khanna shared candid reflections on his judicial journey, while offering practical advice to lawyers, especially Advocates-on-Record (AoRs). His parting words were both a critique and a call to action for legal professionals to embrace clarity, mentorship, and domain expertise in their careers.
“Less is More”: CJI Khanna’s Message on Legal Drafting
One of the most striking observations made by CJI Khanna was on the drafting style of Indian lawyers. He pointed out that lawyers in India have yet to master the art of precise and concise drafting. “We must adopt the dictum ‘less is more’. The crisper the petitions, the more beneficial they are,” he said.
CJI Khanna recounted an anecdote from his own experience when he had drafted objections to an award to be filed in a European court. Though he initially included 8 to 9 grounds, a fellow lawyer reduced it to just three. The experience, he said, taught him that well-drafted petitions make up 50 percent of the case. Concise pleadings improve the chances that judges will actually read and engage with the case files—an essential factor in a system burdened with heavy caseloads.
Advice to Advocates-on-Record: Argue Your Own Cases
CJI Khanna emphasized the role of AoRs as essential connectors between different parts of the country and the Supreme Court. In a notable suggestion, he encouraged AoRs to step up and argue their own cases rather than always relying on Senior Advocates. This, he noted, could lead to a deeper understanding of the matter and personal growth as courtroom lawyers.
Specialisation vs General Practice: A Call for Domain Expertise
The retiring Chief Justice also weighed in on the debate between generalist legal practice and specialisation. He expressed a clear preference for domain-specific expertise, stating, “Domain specialisation will take you ahead in life. It will matter more than oratory skills.” He stressed that most cases do not require grand constitutional arguments but a sound grasp of facts—further underscoring the importance of focused legal preparation.
Mentorship and Mediation: Two Pillars for Future Growth
Addressing another critical area of professional development, CJI Khanna urged senior lawyers with 15 or more years of experience to mentor young legal professionals. He proposed that SCAORA could institutionalize mentorship programs. He also advocated for AoRs to consider higher courses in mediation—an increasingly relevant skill in the evolving landscape of dispute resolution.
CJI Khanna even expressed his willingness to continue providing legal advice post-retirement, stating warmly, “It will be my pleasure if you walk in and seek advice.”
A Personal Journey Comes Full Circle
The farewell event also became a moment of introspection for CJI Khanna, who recalled his first visit to the Supreme Court of India during the Indian Express case, when his father was serving as a judge. He practiced under the late PH Parikh and expressed deep faith in the judiciary, saying, “As I prepare to demit office, I do so with deep faith in the institution.” He acknowledged the critical partnership between judges and advocates in upholding justice and constitutional values.
Tributes from the Legal Fraternity
Justice BR Gavai, who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India, lauded CJI Khanna for his transformative tenure. “He brought in transformation, transparency… He always showed CJI is first among equals and not a superior,” Gavai remarked. He praised Khanna’s straightforward approach and his openness to feedback.
SCAORA President Vipin Nair drew a poignant comparison, saying, “Justice HR Khanna is the best Chief Justice India never had. CJI Sanjiv Khanna, his nephew, has shown all those qualities.” Nair highlighted CJI Khanna’s commitment to transparency, particularly in placing sensitive case documents in the public domain.
Vice-President Amit Sharma and Secretary Nikhil Jain also offered glowing tributes, emphasizing CJI Khanna’s legacy of integrity, accountability, and his staunch defense of fundamental rights. Jain called him “a towering legal figure whose tenure embodied integrity and hope.”
Legacy of CJI Sanjiv Khanna
CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s term as Chief Justice may have been brief, but it has been impactful. His emphasis on precision in legal drafting, the need for mentorship, and the value of specialisation reflect a forward-looking approach to legal practice in India. His transparent judicial style and commitment to the rule of law will be remembered as key hallmarks of his tenure.
As the legal fraternity reflects on his career, CJI Khanna’s farewell is not just a goodbye—it is a call to action. For India’s young lawyers, it is a reminder that clarity in communication, continual learning, and ethical practice remain at the core of a fulfilling legal career.
