Justice Dipak Misra takes over as 45th CJI

Justice Dipak Misra was sworn in as the 45th Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. Soon after the swearing in ceremony, Chief Justice Misra took charge of court number one at the Supreme Court and sat for almost the entire day.

Setting the tone for the almost 14-month term to come, the newly sworn in chief tackled more than 70 matters sitting way past 4 pm — long after the rest of the courts had risen. However, the day reflects what awaits CJI Misra.
During his tenure — the chief will retire in October 2018 — CJI Misra will have to settle the Aadhar matter, the title dispute in the Babri Masjid case, WhatsApp privacy matter.

He might also have to perhaps constitute a Constitution Bench to deliberate on Article 35A, which accords special priviledges to residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

In light of the recent privacy judgment, it seems CJI Misra may also have to finally tackle the issue of section 377 head on.

Last month, former Chief Justice of India JS Khehar nominated the senior-most judge after him as his successor which was approved by the law ministry.

CJI Misra helmed the judgement where …read more