During a farewell, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud expressed pride in his children’s values. His sons, both lawyers, declined to argue cases in the Supreme Court during his tenure to avoid conflicts of interest, highlighting their integrity. He shared insights about his adopted daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, who reshaped his understanding of resilience, dignity, and life’s challenges.
New Delhi: At a farewell hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud shared a personal glimpse into his life, expressing pride in his children’s values and the lessons they’ve taught him. The Chief Justice spoke candidly about his sons, Abhinav and Chintan Chandrachud, both practicing lawyers in the Bombay High Court, revealing that he has often asked them to visit Delhi and argue cases in the Supreme Court to spend time with him. However, his sons have consistently declined, citing a powerful reason.
Chief Justice Chandrachud shared, “I keep telling them that I hardly get to see you… please come to Delhi and argue your cases in the Supreme Court so that I will get to see you once a month at least.” However, his sons responded with, “Dad, we shall do it after you demit office. Why should we bring disrepute to your name and our name by coming here when you are a judge?” Touched by their principles, the Chief Justice remarked, “I am truly blessed to have children who have that ethos.”
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This statement highlighted the integrity and humility his sons maintain, choosing to respect their father’s position and reputation by avoiding potential conflicts of interest, even at the cost of personal sacrifice. The Chief Justice’s expression of gratitude toward his sons resonated with attendees and demonstrated the values instilled within his family.
Justice Chandrachud further spoke of his adopted daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, who have transformed his understanding of life’s challenges and joys. He reflected on how they have deepened his perspective on disability, dignity, and intuition.
“To our little Priyanka and Mahi (two adopted daughters who are differently-abled), who have taught me that there is much more to life than what we read in dry pages of newspapers and our briefs,”
he said. He credited them with expanding his comprehension of resilience, and he noted that their intuition is as profound as anyone’s, underscoring the wisdom and insight they bring to his life.
Justice Chandrachud’s speech offered a rare glimpse into his life outside of the judiciary, reflecting on the strength of family bonds and values. The Chief Justice’s closing words left a mark on those present, painting a picture of a father deeply proud of his children’s principles and inspired by the lessons they teach him.
In speaking about his family, Justice Chandrachud gave a heartfelt reminder of the impact of personal values on public life, showing how the ethics he sees in his children and the strength he draws from his daughters’ experiences enrich not only his life but his understanding of justice and dignity. This personal insight also resonated as a message on the importance of integrity, compassion, and humility—qualities Justice Chandrachud finds deeply significant, both within his family and his role as Chief Justice.
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