Question

The 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India is:

• A. Justice Sanjiv Khanna
• B. Justice Surya Kant
• C. Justice M.Patanjali Sastri
• D. Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan

Hint:

Justice Sanjiv Khanna succeeded Justice D.Y. Chandrachud in November 2024, becoming the 51st Chief Justice of India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: This question tests current knowledge regarding the leadership of the judicial branch of the Government of India.

Step 1: Tracking recent Chief Justices of India.
Following the retirement of the 50th Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, a new judicial head was appointed to lead the Supreme Court.

Step 2: Identifying the 51st appointee.
Following the established seniority principle, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India. He took the official oath of office in November 2024.

Step 3: Historical context of other options.
Let's review the other judges listed to confirm our answer:
• Justice M. Patanjali Sastri: Served as the 2nd Chief Justice of India, way back in 1951.
• Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan: Served as the 3rd Chief Justice of India, in 1954.
• Justice Surya Kant: A senior serving judge of the Supreme Court, but has not held the 51st CJI position. This confirms that Option (A) is the correct choice.