Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud says retired judges can greatly contribute to legislative bodies and tribunals. He calls media “hype” a reason judges avoid such roles.
Mumbai: At a recent event held in Mumbai on August 2, 2025, former Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud shared his thoughts on the role of judges in legislative positions and the importance of judicial independence.
He was speaking at the launch of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s new book Our Living Constitution, hosted by the organisation India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), known for conducting Model United Nations (MUNs) and mock parliaments.
ALSO READ: Ex-CJI DY Chandrachud Backs UCC: “Important to Realise This Goal of the Constitution”
During the event, Justice Chandrachud said that retired judges have valuable experience that can benefit legislative bodies and other public roles, including tribunals.
He remarked,
“I believe that there’s a great deal of experience which judges can bring to, say, the legislative bodies.”
He acknowledged that while judges are often not seen in political or legislative roles, part of the hesitation around such appointments is shaped by public perception and media narratives.
As he explained,
“A part of the reason why judges cannot take up appointments is because of a hype.”
Justice Chandrachud emphasized that former judges have performed admirably in various public offices in the past, bringing their deep knowledge and understanding of the law and justice system into policymaking.
He stated,
“We have had some exceptional individuals who occupied those offices as well, people who have done remarkably well in those offices.”
On the subject of judicial independence, especially when former judges are appointed to different roles post-retirement, he said maintaining that independence is not just the job of the judiciary but also relies on active civil engagement.
According to him,
“It is a combination of the Constitution, active participation of citizens in the adjudicatory process, the critique of an independent media, and civil society which is constantly keeping a watch, and how judges behave and perform.”
The conversation also covered broader national issues, including the idea of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) and reservation policies.
These topics continue to be debated at the national level for their potential impact on India’s democratic and legal structures.
When asked about who is likely to become the next Vice-President of India, Dr. Shashi Tharoor responded by pointing out that the ruling party would likely make the decision, as they hold the majority in Parliament.
He said,
“Honestly, there’s no clue. The government has given no clue. But the fact is that it will be somebody nominated by the ruling party because they have a comfortable majority. Unlike the President, where all the State assemblies also vote.”
The event brought together discussions on constitutional values, judicial responsibility, and the evolving role of institutions in a democratic setup.
ALSO READ: CJI Gavai Meets Chess Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh at Her Nagpur Home After Historic Win
Both speakers highlighted how public trust, media scrutiny, and active citizenship play a crucial role in maintaining the strength and fairness of the country’s institutions.
Justice Chandrachud’s remarks open a broader conversation about whether India should reconsider how it views the post-retirement roles of judges.
Click Here to Read More Reports On CJI Gavai
