The Bombay Bar Association held a ceremony to honor Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the judiciary as he approaches retirement. Known for his progressive judgments and commitment to justice, Chief Justice Chandrachud has been a significant figure in India’s legal landscape.
Mumbai: The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) held a grand felicitation ceremony for Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjay Y. Chandrachud at the central court hall of the Bombay High Court. This event was a significant occasion in India’s judicial history, as CJI Chandrachud is set to retire on November 10, 2024, after an impactful tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India.
His contributions have been widely recognized for shaping the country’s legal framework, especially in promoting the principles of equality, dignity, and inclusion.
The ceremony brought together a large assembly of legal experts, members of the judiciary, and senior advocates, all gathered to honour CJI Chandrachud’s distinguished career. Nitin Thakkar, Senior Advocate and President of the BBA, opened the event with a speech.
He noted that CJI Chandrachud is the 10th Chief Justice to have been a member of the Bombay Bar Association. Reflecting on his judicial legacy,
Thakkar stated,
“History will undoubtedly recognize CJI Chandrachud as a champion of equality, dignity, and inclusion.”
He also commended several landmark rulings by CJI Chandrachud, particularly the decisions on the right to privacy and the decriminalization of adultery, which marked a reversal from the earlier position taken by his father, Y.V. Chandrachud, a former Chief Justice of India.
These decisions were celebrated as pivotal in reinforcing individual rights and upholding constitutional values.
Advocate General Birendra Saraf highlighted Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s role in enhancing public trust in the judiciary, noting,
“His judgments have positioned India as a nation that champions the needs of its citizens, often with a social sensitivity that surpasses even developed nations.”
Saraf praised CJI Chandrachud’s legacy of lasting reform, remarking,
“His administrative reforms have revitalized our system…footprints which time cannot erase.”
In a warm and lighthearted welcome, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, commended CJI Chandrachud’s “abundant wisdom, fairness, and passion for a distinctive work culture.” Reflecting admiration through poetry, he emphasized the spirit of “continuous striving for justice,” a defining feature of CJI Chandrachud’s career.
CJI Chandrachud, addressing the gathering, expressed his deep gratitude to the judiciary he has served for decades, saying,
“It is a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and remembrance. I owe everything to this institution.”
He fondly recalled his days at the Bombay High Court, sharing memorable anecdotes that shaped his judicial journey.
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted the value of delivering judgments openly, calling it essential for “clarity of thought and justice.”
He emphasized the importance of dictating judgments in open court, saying it promotes both transparency and precision. Addressing young lawyers, he urged them to maintain high ethical standards, warning that shortcuts can compromise the integrity of the legal profession.
On advancing gender inclusivity, CJI Chandrachud highlighted his dedication to making the profession more accessible for women, noting,
“Why should a woman have to behave like a man to succeed at the Bar?”
Reflecting on interactions with young female lawyers, he advocated for strengthened virtual court systems to better support those balancing family and career.
Additionally, he stressed his commitment to technological innovation over the past five years to make the judiciary “more accessible and citizen-friendly,” emphasizing that his goal is to make the system responsive and inclusive for all.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted cases reflecting his deep commitment to compassionate justice. Recalling stories of marginalized individuals, he spoke of securing IIT-Dhanbad admission for a Dalit student and enabling a student with muscular dystrophy to pursue an MBBS degree despite medical board objections.
He remarked,
“You can find 25 reasons of a technical nature not to grant relief, but one single justification to do so is often enough,”
The event concluded with resounding applause, honouring CJI Chandrachud’s profound contributions to Indian jurisprudence. As he prepares for retirement, his legacy of compassion, equality, and integrity continues to inspire judges, lawyers, and citizens across India.
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