Yesterday, On 25th May, Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, returned from an international trip just in time to cast his vote in the Lok Sabha elections. His timely return highlights the importance he places on participating in the democratic process. Chandrachud’s vote adds to the significant turnout expected for these crucial elections. His participation underscores the role of every citizen, including high-ranking officials, in shaping the country’s future.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, accompanied by his wife Kalpana Das, exercised their voting rights in the Lok Sabha elections at Lions Vidya Mandir Secondary School in the Rajaji Marg area at 4:30 PM today.
Chief Justice Chandrachud expressed,
“My personal commitment to the Indian legal system and constitution intertwines deeply with my life, and today, by casting my vote, I fulfil my duty as a citizen of the country.”
The Election Commission launched the “My Vote, My Voice” campaign, urging voters to exercise their constitutional right and not miss the opportunity to participate in the upcoming general elections.
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The Chief Justice, who previously engaged in official meetings in Tashkent, now returned and delivered a message through Doordarshan, advocating for voter participation in the elections.
The Chief Justice, contemplating his steadfast dedication to never forgo voting, even amidst professional responsibilities, urged the citizens of India to prioritize their civic duty by casting their votes responsibly.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) just returned from a trip to Tashkent, where he attended a meeting of Chief Justices from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. During his visit, the CJI a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, the Chief Justice of Uzbekistan, Mr. Bakhtiyar Islamov, and they discussed opportunities for collaboration between the two judicial institutions.
After returning from the foreign trip, the CJI able to cast his vote in time. In a message uploaded to YouTube, the CJI emphasized the importance of citizen participation in the democratic process by exercising their right to vote.
The Chief Justice highlighted,
“While the Constitution grants us numerous rights as citizens, it also places upon us the responsibility to fulfil our duties. Among the paramount duties of citizenship is exercising our right to vote.”
Emphasizing citizens’ participatory role, the CJI remarked,
“In a constitutional democracy, the government is not merely a government ruling over the people, but one that is derived from the people, governed by the people, and exists for the people.”
Reflecting on his inaugural voting experience, he expressed,
“The moment I received that indelible ink mark upon casting my vote, it stirred within me an overwhelming sense of patriotism and solidarity with my nation. Unlike fleeting ink stains, this mark was one I cherished, symbolizing my role as a proud participant in our democracy, affirming my right and responsibility as an Indian citizen.”
The Chief Justice of India also highlighted the constitutional principle of ‘one citizen, one vote, one value’, emphasizing the foundational equality inherent in the electoral process.
In a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of India, he urged them to prioritize their civic duty by casting their votes thoughtfully and responsibly.
The Chief Justice of India emphasized,
“I implore each and every one of you not to forego this chance to vote conscientiously as proud citizens of our beloved nation. Five minutes every five years for the betterment of our country. It’s achievable, isn’t it? Let us cast our votes with honour, for my vote is my voice,”
This move highlights the judiciary’s role not only in upholding the law but also in actively partaking in the democratic processes of the country. As voters across the nation line up to determine their representatives, the presence of figures like Chief Justice Chandrachud serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental rights and responsibilities that anchor Indian democracy.