Former CJI Chandrachud gave a light-hearted response to criticism, saying, “Hit the gym more often.” He also said he is hopeful but careful about the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in the legal field.
Free speech is essential to Indian democracy, stated former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025.
Discussing how judges should handle public scrutiny, he advised,
“Hit the gym more often – you need strong shoulders to bear the weight of criticism,”
Speaking at Rising Bharat Summit 2025 on Wednesday, the former CJI addressed the increasing public attention judges face, while also covering important topics such as judicial reform, free speech, and the changing role of technology in the legal system.
He cautioned against the risks of pre-emptive censorship, emphasizing,
“Free speech is vital to Indian democracy – it is non-negotiable.”
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He recalled the events during the Emergency, stating,
“We’ve seen what happened during the Emergency. The real threat lies in prior restraint. Let there be a marketplace of ideas, let the people decide.”
Regarding judicial accountability, he reiterated that a Supreme Court resolution from 2009 mandates judges to declare their assets. However, the ex-CJI also suggested that the decision to publish these details online should remain up to individual judges.
During the event, Chandrachud spoke about how Artificial Intelligence is becoming more important in India’s legal system. He said he is hopeful about its use, as it can help make legal work faster and more efficient, especially in managing cases and doing legal research.
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But he also gave a warning we should not depend too much on technology. He stressed that human values like judgment, ethics, and empathy should always stay at the heart of justice.
Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud’s simple yet powerful message “Hit the gym more often” gives a modern way of looking at the challenges faced by people in the judiciary. It shows that taking care of your body and mind is just as important as understanding the law. His words are a reminder that strength, both inside and outside, helps in delivering justice fairly and fearlessly.