Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI)

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The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About appointment of CJI

The senior-most Supreme Court judge, considered fit for the role, is usually appointed as CJI on the recommendation of the outgoing CJI.
- This convention was breached in 1964, 1973, and 1977.
The Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs seeks this recommendation, which is then sent to the Prime Minister, who advises the President on the appointment.
- Under Article 124 (2), every Judge of the SC be appointed by the President and shall hold office until he attains the age of 65 year.

First amongst the equals: SC in the State of Rajasthan v Prakash Chand (1997) ruled that the CJI is the head of the judiciary and holds a leadership position, they do not hold any superior judicial authority over the other Supreme Court judges.
Master of the Roster: It is the exclusive power of the CJI to constitute Benches (including Constitution benches), to hear cases
Head of Collegium: CJI heads the Collegium for judicial appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.
Appointment officers and servants of SC: It shall be made by the CJI or such other Judge or officer of the Court as he may direct (Article 146).

It is a system for making recommendations for appointment of judges of SC and HC.
- Judges are appointed by President under Article 124 and 217 (respectively for SC and HC) of Constitution.
For appointment in SC: Collegium consists of CJI and four other senior-most judges of the SC.
For appointment in HC
- Collegium at HC consists of Chief Justice of HC and two senior judges of the concerned HC.
- Collegium at SC consists of CJI and two seniormost Judges of the SC.