Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will demit office on Tuesday, concluding his tenure as the 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Having assumed office on November 10, 2024, Justice Khanna served in the top judicial post for six months.

In keeping with established convention, Justice Khanna has formally recommended the name of Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai—currently the second-most senior judge of the apex court—as his successor.

The recommendation has been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

Upon approval by President Droupadi Murmu, Justice Gavai will be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

As part of the court’s tradition, Justice Khanna will preside over a ceremonial bench on his final day, joined by his successor. The Supreme Court Bar Association is also expected to host a formal farewell ceremony, where Justice Khanna will deliver his farewell address.

Justice Gavai, who was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, will make history as the second Dalit judge to occupy the country’s highest judicial office.