Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud suggested reconsidering the practice of halting judicial work for the day when a Bar member passes away. Speaking at the bicentennial celebration of the Bar Library at Calcutta High Court, he emphasized the need to balance respect for the deceased with the broader impact on society.
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KOLKATA: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud suggested reconsidering the traditional practice of halting court proceedings upon the demise of a Bar member. This suggestion was made during the bicentennial celebrations of the Bar Library at the Calcutta High Court.
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the need for a balanced approach that honors the memory of deceased Bar members while ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the judiciary.
“I urge you all to rethink whether we should cease work when a member of the Bar passes away. Of course, we respect our friends, colleagues, and seniors; sometimes, unfortunately, it is our peers who have passed away untimely. But do we need to impact the wider society at large?”
-he remarked.
Highlighting the loss of valuable court time, Chief Justice Chandrachud shared his experience from his tenure as the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court.
“When I became Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, I observed that when references were conducted for deceased members of the Bar, the court would adjourn for the day once the reference concluded. The Bar insisted that no further judicial work should proceed after the reference.”
– he recounted.
The Chief Justice’s comments underscore the importance of maintaining judicial productivity while respectfully acknowledging the contributions of departed legal professionals. This call for a re-evaluation of traditional practices reflects a broader effort to streamline judicial processes and reduce delays that impact the delivery of justice.
The bicentennial event, marking 200 years of the Bar Library at the Calcutta High Court, provided a fitting backdrop for Chief Justice Chandrachud’s remarks. The Bar Library, an institution with a rich history, has been a cornerstone of legal practice and scholarship, fostering a community of legal minds dedicated to the rule of law.
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In his address, Chief Justice Chandrachud also acknowledged the emotional and professional bonds that tie members of the legal fraternity.
“We respect our friends, colleagues, and seniors,”
– he said, reiterating the deep sense of loss felt within the Bar when a member passes away.
However, he urged the legal community to consider the broader implications of ceasing judicial work, particularly on the wider society that relies on timely justice.
The Chief Justice’s proposal invites a thoughtful debate on how the judiciary can balance tradition with the demands of contemporary judicial administration. By advocating for the continuation of court proceedings, Chief Justice Chandrachud highlights the need for a judiciary that is both compassionate and efficient.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud shared an intimate moment from his life, highlighting the balancing act of professional duty and personal grief. Reflecting on the time when his father, Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, who served as the 16th Chief Justice of India, passed away, CJI Chandrachud illustrated how he navigated his responsibilities as a young judge at the Bombay High Court.
“When my father passed away while I was a young judge at the Bombay High Court, the Bar approached the Chief Justice and requested, ‘Chief Justice, a distinguished former member of the bar who went on to become Chief Justice of India has passed away, and we would like to suspend work after the reference.'”
– recalled CJI Chandrachud.
This statement sheds light on the respect and honor that the judiciary accords to its members, especially those who have ascended to the highest judicial office in the country.
The Chief Justice wisely said-
“‘His son happens to be a member of our fraternity. Why don’t you go over to the Chamber of my brother Dhananjay and ask what he would like to do?'”
This decision exemplifies the consideration and sensitivity extended by the judiciary towards its members, recognizing the dual role CJI Chandrachud had to play as both a grieving son and a serving judge.
Faced with the situation, CJI Chandrachud made a suggestion that balanced both respect for his late father and the continuity of judicial work.
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He proposed-
“I suggested, ‘Why not start the reference half an hour before the court’s closing time? It would likely conclude around that time, allowing the Chief Justice to announce that the remaining judicial work of the court will be suspended for the day.’ This way, the court could function effectively throughout most of the day.”
This suggestion ensured that the court’s operations were minimally disrupted while still paying appropriate homage to the late Chief Justice.
This anecdote not only highlights CJI Chandrachud’s ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes but also underscores the importance of maintaining the dignity and continuity of judicial processes. His suggestion allowed for a seamless blend of personal respect and professional duty, showcasing his commitment to upholding the principles of the judiciary even during times of personal loss.
Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, who served as the Chief Justice of India from 1978 to 1985, left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary. His tenure is remembered for several landmark judgments and his contribution to the legal field. The story shared by his son, CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, is a testament to the legacy of dedication and service that continues to inspire the judiciary today.
