Justice Dipak Misra has taken oath as 45th chief justice of India. In a ceremony held earlier today, president Ram Nath Kovind administrated the oath at Darbar Hall in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Assuming his office today, Dipak Misra will replace Jagdish Singh Khehar, who retired yesterday after completing his term. 64-year-old Dipak Misra will hold office until October next year.
Dipak Misra was nominated to replace JH Khehar by the outgoing CJI himself. Misra has had a vast experience of India’s judicial system and has been chief justice of Madhya Pradesh and Delhi high courts. He will be CJI until October 2nd, 2018.
Dipak Misra has taken the top judicial job at a crucial time. In the last few days, Indian judiciary has been hailed for its landmark decisions in issued related to Triple Talaq, Right to Privacy, Gurmeet Ram Rahim etc. Dipak Misra has a few crucial cases in front of him, which include the likes of Ram Mandir issue and Taj Mahal.
Following the retirement of Justice J.S Khehar’s, the Aadhaar Constitution Bench will now have to appoint a new lead Judge. Justice Dipak Mishra will decide whether he will lead the bench or have Justice Chelameswar lead it.