Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, accompanied by his wife Kalpana Das, received a warm and cordial welcome upon his arrival in Bhutan on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. CJI met His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, during his visit to Bhutan this evening. The official visit of the CJI marks an important step in strengthening judicial cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Thimphu, Bhutan: Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, accompanied by his wife Kalpana Das, received a warm and enthusiastic welcome upon his arrival in Bhutan on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The visit, part of an official delegation, signifies a strengthening of judicial ties between India and Bhutan, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between the neighboring nations.
CJI Chandrachud, one of India’s most respected legal minds, is in Bhutan for a multi-day visit that includes a series of formal engagements aimed at promoting legal collaboration and enhancing the judicial systems of both countries. His visit comes at a crucial time when India is working to expand its regional partnerships in legal education and judiciary exchange programs.
Warm Welcome and Bhutan’s Hospitality
Upon his arrival in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, CJI Chandrachud and his wife were greeted with traditional Bhutanese hospitality, showcasing the warmth and respect between the two nations. Senior officials from the Bhutanese judiciary, government representatives, and dignitaries were present to receive him, marking the significance of the visit. The Chief Justice’s visit is seen as an opportunity to foster closer relations between the Indian judiciary and Bhutan’s legal institutions, which have historically shared cordial and collaborative ties.
Address at JSW Law School, Paro
On the same day, CJI Chandrachud delivered a keynote address at the prestigious Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) School of Law in Paro, Bhutan’s premier law school. His speech focused on various pressing legal issues, including the importance of judicial independence, the evolving role of legal education, and the challenges of upholding the rule of law in modern democracies.
During his address, CJI Chandrachud spoke on the need for global cooperation in legal education and the judiciary, emphasizing that the judicial systems of both India and Bhutan play a crucial role in maintaining peace, stability, and justice in their respective societies. He highlighted how law schools, such as JSW Law School, play a pivotal role in shaping future legal minds who will lead the justice system of their countries.
He also discussed the increasing importance of technology in the judiciary, legal reforms, and how legal education needs to evolve in response to the changing dynamics of global governance, democracy, and human rights.
CJI Chandrachud said in his speech at JSW Law School.
“The rule of law is a fundamental pillar in any democracy. It is not just a theoretical concept but a practical one that must be defended and nurtured by every nation’s judiciary. It is the judiciary’s duty to act as the guardian of the Constitution, safeguarding the rights of all citizens,”
Emphasis on Judicial Collaboration
One of the key aspects of CJI Chandrachud’s visit is to explore avenues for deeper judicial cooperation between India and Bhutan. India and Bhutan have long shared a special relationship, with India playing a significant role in the development of Bhutan’s judiciary and legal institutions. CJI Chandrachud’s visit is expected to further strengthen this collaboration, with discussions on mutual legal assistance, capacity-building programs for Bhutanese judicial officers, and increased academic exchanges between law schools in the two countries.
CJI Chandrachud also spoke about the importance of strengthening legal education by building bridges between law schools and universities across borders. He stressed the need for students and professionals from both India and Bhutan to exchange ideas, participate in joint programs, and collaborate on legal research to tackle emerging challenges such as environmental protection, human rights, and transnational disputes.
Enhancing Legal Education and Judicial Systems
In his address, the Chief Justice noted the significant role of law schools in shaping a society’s commitment to justice and equality. He emphasized the importance of preparing students to not only excel in their domestic legal systems but also understand international law, human rights, and global legal challenges.
CJI Chandrachud remarked,
“Legal education must evolve with the times, adapting to the digital age and preparing students to deal with the complexities of the globalized world. We must ensure that our students are equipped not just with technical legal knowledge, but with a deeper understanding of the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with practicing law,”
He encouraged JSW Law School students to see themselves as future leaders of Bhutan’s legal community, capable of contributing to both national and international legal frameworks. He also urged law schools to remain committed to nurturing critical thinking and analytical skills in their students.
Strengthening India-Bhutan Relations
CJI Chandrachud’s visit to Bhutan signifies the enduring bond between the two countries, particularly in the realms of law and governance. India’s continued support for Bhutan’s legal infrastructure, including the training and development of Bhutanese legal professionals, has been a testament to the special relationship between the two neighbors.
The judiciary’s cooperation is seen as an extension of this close partnership, with both countries committed to upholding the rule of law and constitutional principles. During his visit, CJI Chandrachud is expected to meet with key figures in Bhutan’s judiciary, including the Chief Justice of Bhutan, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations.
Conclusion
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s official visit to Bhutan represents a significant milestone in fostering judicial and legal cooperation between India and Bhutan. His address at JSW Law School highlights the importance of legal education and the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic values and justice in both nations. As the Chief Justice engages in further dialogues with Bhutanese legal leaders, this visit is likely to pave the way for continued collaboration and strengthening of ties between the two countries in the field of law and justice.