Many judges and lawyers praised CJI Chandrachud at his farewell ceremony. Many people talked about his life and generosity, while some discussed the reforms done by him and the inclusion of technology in the court. Meanwhile, when senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi asked him the secret of staying young, everyone present there laughed.
NEW DELHI: Today(11th Nov) was the last working day of Chief Justice (CJI) Justice DY Chandrachud. He is retiring on November 10. Therefore, a ceremonial bench sat in the Supreme Court to bid him farewell. This bench was also live streamed.
Many judges and lawyers praised CJI Chandrachud at his farewell ceremony. Many people talked about his life and generosity, while some discussed the reforms done by him and the inclusion of technology in the court. Meanwhile, when senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi asked him the secret of staying young, everyone present there laughed.
Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman added:
“Your character will be defined by the 5 C’s: Calm, cool, composed, neither critical nor condemning. You have shattered many records, yet you have remained grounded.
Meanwhile ASG SV Raju refers
“Your decisions and speeches will always be remembered for their thought-provoking nature.”
Justice Sanjeev Khanna (CJI Chandrachud’s successor) also stated:
“You’ve made my role both easier and harder. It’s easier because you’ve implemented many changes, but harder because I might not be able to match your pace. You will always be missed.”
“Your youthful energy is a topic of discussion, not just here but internationally. People in Australia even asked about your age.”
It is often said that the Bar serves as the true measure of a judge’s legacy, making it vital to understand the views of senior members of the legal community regarding his time in office.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra highlighted CJI Chandrachud’s commitment to modernizing the judiciary.
“CJI Chandrachud was known for his dignified, elegant, and erudite approach. His progressive stance on issues like privacy, same-sex marriage, and emerging rights underscored his commitment to human rights and liberty in an era dominated by social media,” said Luthra. “Balancing human rights with security requires tough decisions, especially for the Chief Justice of India, and the impact of his choices will resonate in the years to come.”
Senior Advocate Dwivedi, speaking with notable earnestness, remarked-
“Mylords nobody wants your tenure to end, we all want you to hear our matters!”
This encapsulated the sentiment shared by many in the legal fraternity who have witnessed Dr. Chandrachud’s judicial acumen over the years.
The legacy of CJI DY Chandrachud is marked by his significant contributions to the Indian judiciary. His tenure has been punctuated by pivotal and progressive verdicts, demonstrating a deep commitment to upholding the principles of justice and constitutional morality.
Vikas Pahwa praised CJI Chandrachud’s “transformative” tenure and “hands-on” style.
“From direct engagement with registrars to address court challenges to instituting reforms like e-filing and virtual hearings, his dedication to enhancing access to justice, especially for those limited by geography or finances, is unparalleled,”
Pahwa remarked.
Pahwa further highlighted Chandrachud’s commitment to constitutional ideals, saying,
“His judgments expanded civil liberties, with landmark rulings like Puttaswamy and Navtej Singh Johar securing individual rights and autonomy. His work will continue to inspire advocates of justice and equality.”
“CJI Chandrachud’s era marked a move towards transparency, gender representation, and an inclusive judiciary, evident in the number of senior advocates appointed,”
added Pahwa, emphasizing Chandrachud’s “vision for a responsive, inclusive judiciary.”
Sanjay Hegde likened Chandrachud to “the Sachin Tendulkar of the legal profession,” recognizing his intellect and leadership. “
Though, like any legacy, his tenure isn’t without scrutiny,”
Hegde commented, hinting at the nuanced view of his contributions.
Acknowledging Chandrachud’s patience and attentiveness, Sankaranarayanan noted,
“He was often more criticized than he deserved, especially regarding media perceptions,” yet admired his intellect and sensitivity.
Sanjoy Ghose expressed some disappointment, saying,
“The Chief Justice could have addressed critical matters, such as the Manipur violence, Pegasus, and the Hindenburg report. These missed opportunities tempered his legacy,” while still acknowledging Chandrachud’s patience and courteous demeanor.
Vikas Singh pointed to a “disconnect” felt by the Bar due to a perceived lack of inclusivity in decision-making.
“True judicial leadership requires impartiality, compassion, and empathy, qualities the late Justice VR Krishna Iyer embodied,” Singh reflected, questioning some of Chandrachud’s administrative choices, like the decision to convert the Judges’ Library into a museum.
Judicial Tenure Of CJI Chandrachud
As a judge at the Bombay High Court, Justice Chandrachud experienced a transformation in his judicial approach, notably due to his collaboration with Justice Ranjana Desai. He credits her with helping him gain a feminist perspective on the law, especially in cases involving crimes against women. This evolved viewpoint was later reflected in landmark Supreme Court decisions, such as Lt. Colonel Nitisha (2021), where he recognized “indirect discrimination” and affirmed that women are entitled to consideration for Permanent Commissions in the Indian Army.
After a significant tenure at the Bombay High Court, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in 2013. In 2016, Justice Chandrachud ascended to the Supreme Court and, on November 9, 2022, he became the 50th Chief Justice of India, succeeding CJI U.U. Lalit.
