On his final day as the 51st Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna reflected on the responsibilities and values that guided his tenure, underscoring the importance of putting the judiciary’s interests above the pursuit of public approval.

Justice Khanna, who will hand over the reins to Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Wednesday, addressed the legal fraternity during a farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Acknowledging the weight of expectations and constant public gaze that come with leading the judiciary, he said he found his footing by remaining committed to both the judicial and administrative demands of the post.

“The real strength lies in performing one’s duties calmly and steadfastly, with the institution’s welfare as the foremost priority rather than seeking praise or recognition,” Justice Khanna remarked.

Outlining the focus areas during his tenure, he highlighted initiatives aimed at reducing backlog, streamlining filing and listing processes, and weeding out inactive or redundant cases. Transparency, he noted, was central to these reforms, along with leveraging data to address the growing pendency.

Justice Khanna proudly noted a key accomplishment: “For the first time in several years, the Supreme Court recorded a case clearance rate exceeding 100 per cent, meaning more cases were resolved than instituted.”

He shared insights from a study conducted by the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning, which reviewed over 10,000 pending cases between November 2024 and April 2025. Of these, 3,374 main cases and 901 related matters were flagged, and the listing of 2,401 main and 850 connected cases led to swift disposal — many resolved in just one or two hearings.

The outgoing Chief Justice also expressed optimism for the growing role of mediation in the justice delivery system. “I believe the day isn’t far when mediation will be the preferred starting point for dispute resolution, rather than traditional litigation,” he said.

He also commented on the evolving legal landscape. “Courtroom advocacy is gradually shifting from being driven by rhetoric to being grounded in subject knowledge. As preparation standards rise, it's crucial for the Bar to cultivate deeper expertise in their respective domains,” he said.

Justice Gavai, who will take over as CJI on May 14, lauded Justice Khanna’s fearless honesty and humility. “He will be remembered not just for judicial milestones but for the grace and sincerity with which he handled the responsibilities of this esteemed office,” said Justice Gavai.