Former CJI Chandrachud defended the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370, stating that the provision was always meant to fade away. In an interview with the BBC, he highlighted that it was introduced as a temporary measure due to war conditions. He emphasized that the Court upheld the elected government’s decision to abrogate it. According to him, the ruling aligns with the constitutional framework and historical context.
Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud defended the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, asserting it was intended as a temporary and transitional provision meant to eventually phase out.
In a BBC interview, he emphasized that the Supreme Court recognized the elected government’s authority to revoke this provision, which had been introduced as a temporary measure due to wartime conditions in the region.
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Justice Chandrachud elaborated that the Supreme Court established a timeline for restoring democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, instructing the Election Commission to conduct elections in the Union Territory without waiting for statehood to be restored. He noted that elections were indeed held in Jammu and Kashmir in October of the previous year.
Addressing allegations regarding his faith and its potential influence on his judicial decisions, he stated,
“I make no bones of the fact that I am a man of faith. Our Constitution does not require you to be an atheist to be an independent judge, and I value my faith.”
He highlighted that his beliefs emphasize the universality of religion and the necessity of delivering equal and impartial justice.
Justice Chandrachud also dismissed concerns about his perceived closeness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that basic courtesies between high constitutional officials do not sway judicial outcomes.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court had, in fact, ruled against the government in the electoral bonds case, showcasing the judiciary’s independence.
Additionally, he remarked on the diversity within the Indian judiciary, noting that over 50% of new recruits to the district judiciary are women. He expressed hope regarding the increasing representation of women in the judiciary, reflecting a positive trend in the legal profession over the past decade.