Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's Tenure: A Humane Legacy

Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s tenure is marked by a legacy of empathy, inclusivity, and a deeply humane approach to justice. Concerned about his legacy, he balanced his role with a profound sense of responsibility, emphasizing that the judiciary’s mission goes beyond legal interpretation to protect dignity and serve those most vulnerable. His leadership transformed the judiciary into not just an arbiter of law but a force for healing and equity, bridging the gap between justice and humanity. In his retirement, both the legal fraternity and the public reflect on a CJI who brought compassion to the bench, leaving the institution better than he found it.

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“The law must serve the cause of justice, and justice must always be humane.”

:Justice D.Y. Chandrachud

NEW DELHI: Recently CJI D Y Chandrachud in an event said that he’s worried about how his tenure might be judged. Anxious even if he did all those things that he set out to do. As any normal person holding such an important post would be, he has his fair share of fears of what his legacy might turn out to be. But every day he has also reminded us that judges are more than capable of handling criticism and allegations.

Those anxieties seem to have vanished upon his retirement as he has been quoted saying that he has left the judicial system better then he got. Now that he is being referred to as the former CJI, the legal fraternity, as well as the public, pause to reflect on a tenure that wasn’t just about upholding laws, but about serving people in their most vulnerable moments.

His time as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has been marked by a deeply humane approach, a commitment to justice that transcends mere legal interpretation and reaches the very heart of human dignity.

Throughout his tenure, he has consistently shown that the judiciary can be a force for empathy, inclusivity, and healing in a society fractured by inequality and suffering.

A Judge for All Sections of Society

What makes Justice Chandrachud’s tenure stand out is the wide array of people his judgments and actions have touched. His rulings did not just focus on abstract legal principles but aimed to uplift different sections of society—men and women, young and old, the able and the differently-abled, professionals and laypeople alike. He has become a figure who represents hope for equality and fairness, especially for those who often feel sidelined by the legal system.

For ‘women’, he has been a beacon of gender justice. His decisions expanded women’s rights in both public and private spaces. From the landmark “Sabarimala judgment”—which allowed women of all ages entry to the temple, breaking down centuries-old patriarchal barriers—to advocating for the rights of “women lawyers”, he has consistently supported gender equality.

His ruling that extended “maternity benefits to all women”, regardless of their type of employment, reflects his understanding of the unique challenges working women face. People could add the cons as well stating that he refused to hear the marital rape case or did not gave a stern order in the RG kar rape case. But as we all know, some things just take time, which unfortunately CJI did not have in his last days of working.

For ‘men’, especially ‘young professionals like junior doctors’ and others working in high-stress fields, he has advocated for better working conditions and mental health support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Justice Chandrachud recognized the enormous stress medical professionals were under and spoke out for better protective measures and fairer treatment, showcasing his empathy toward the professionals risking their lives for the public.

Justice Chandrachud’s empathy extended to ‘disabled people’, where he has been a firm advocate for ‘inclusive infrastructure and legal rights’, likely influenced by personal experiences as a father of two daughters with disabilities.

His rulings on ‘disability access’ in public spaces and ensuring that disabled citizens receive their rightful ‘quotas in education and employment’ were game-changing. His constant emphasis on treating people with disabilities as equal citizens reflected his belief in an inclusive India, where no one is left behind.

For the ‘elderly’, he showed remarkable concern. His judgments and observations during the pandemic were especially poignant, urging the government to ensure proper care for the elderly who were vulnerable to the virus.

His work towards securing social security benefits for the aging population underscores his belief that society’s strength lies in how it treats its senior citizens and especially the handling of cases where he has been kind and understanding to their grievances.

A Humane Perspective in Law and Society

One of the most remarkable aspects of Justice Chandrachud’s tenure has been his support for junior lawyers and those from marginalized sections. He frequently advocated for creating opportunities for young professionals within the legal system, ensuring that the courtrooms did not remain inaccessible or daunting for new entrants.

His keen awareness of the struggles faced by young and first-generation lawyers has led to increased focus on mental health, workplace harassment, and career growth in the legal profession.

In the courtroom, Justice Chandrachud has been a voice of reason, often adopting a progressive stance on social issues. His approach to the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the decriminalization of same-sex relationships, emphasized the importance of breaking free from regressive laws and embracing individual dignity.

His famous observation that ‘history owes an apology to the LGBTQ+ community’ captured his commitment to justice for all, even those long denied it. One of the major cases where CJI was in opposition to the ruling government and it’s adamant stand of not recognising same sex marriage.

He also championed the cause of junior doctors and health workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that their grievances were heard in court. His judgments called for adequate safety, better working conditions, and mental health support, recognizing that these professionals bore the brunt of the crisis. Even during the hearing of RG kar rape case, we could hear his support to the doctors and understanding of how they worked and his personal experiences with healthcare.

Justice Chandrachud also paid special attention to the rights of migrant workers and daily wage laborers, ensuring that relief measures reached those hit hardest during the pandemic. He pushed for equitable distribution of vaccines and highlighted the suffering of workers who had to travel vast distances, often on foot, to return home during lockdowns.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's Tenure: A Humane Legacy

Constitutional Interpretation: A Living Document

One of the cornerstones of Justice Chandrachud’s judicial philosophy has been his approach to constitutional interpretation. He viewed the Constitution as a “living document,” one that must evolve with changing societal norms and aspirations.

His judgments reflect an understanding that the Constitution is not merely a set of static rules but a framework meant to protect and promote the dignity of every individual, especially those on the margins of society.

For religious minorities and marginalized communities, Justice Chandrachud’s judgements have often been protective. His humane touch was evident in his stance against mob lynchings and his advocacy for the freedom of religion, ensuring that the state remains secular and non-discriminatory in its treatment of all faiths.

Accessible Justice Through Technology

Justice Chandrachud’s vision extended beyond just landmark rulings. He made tremendous strides in improving the judiciary’s accessibility. His push for digitization and virtual hearings was revolutionary, especially during the pandemic.

By spearheading the move toward e-filing and virtual courtrooms, he ensured that justice remained available to people even during the most challenging times.

This shift towards technology also democratized access to courts, benefiting people from rural areas, the elderly, and those with disabilities who found it hard to travel to physical courtrooms.

A Judge with Empathy for Human Suffering

Perhaps what sets Justice Chandrachud apart the most is his deep empathy for human suffering. His relief measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for migrant workers and frontline workers, reflect a CJI who was not just concerned with legal principles but with the real-world consequences of his judgments.

He often spoke about the need to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected, and his rulings reflected that same concern.

Whether it was advocating for mental health support for professionals, fighting for increased representation for marginalized communities, or ensuring social security for informal workers, his decisions were rooted in a compassionate understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.

A Lasting Legacy of Human-Centric Justice

As his retirement draws near, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will be remembered not just as a brilliant legal mind but as a jurist who brought the human element back into the courtroom. His tenure stands as a testament to a judiciary that does not shy away from empathy, inclusion, or progress.

For him, the law was always more than just rules and procedures—it was about people, about dignity, and about ensuring justice for every person, regardless of their station in life.

Justice Chandrachud’s humane approach will leave an indelible mark on Indian jurisprudence, serving as a guiding light for future generations of judges. In a world that is often cold and distant, he reminded us that justice, at its core, is about empathy, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of human dignity. As he steps down, his legacy of human-centric justice will undoubtedly continue to shape the legal landscape for years to come.

And what better way to conclude this article than by quoting the legend himself-