Chief Justice DY Chandrachud will retire on November 10, leaving a legacy marked by both resilience and controversy. In his farewell address, he reflected on online trolling and emphasized his commitment to justice, despite facing scrutiny over high-profile cases. Known for his progressive views and technological advancements in the judiciary, he has significantly impacted modern legal practices in India.
New Delhi: As Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud prepares to leave office on November 10, he candidly reflected on his experiences, noting both the challenges and his commitment to justice. Speaking at a farewell organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Chandrachud acknowledged the online trolling he has faced, emphasizing that it has never deterred him from his duty. “I am probably the most trolled judge across the system,” he said, adding, “I hope you know the amount of trolling I have received. I will only say a shayari: ‘Mukhalif se meri shaksiyat sanwarti hai; Mein dushmano ka bada ehtiram karta hu [Opposition makes better my personality; I respect my enemies very much].”
In a humorous tone, he noted that his trolls might “become unemployed” after his retirement. These remarks were a fitting reflection of CJI Chandrachud’s resilience, humor, and ability to address criticism with grace.
A Tenure Marked by Controversy and Landmark Decisions
Justice Chandrachud has not only been trolled for his public statements but also criticized for his involvement in several high-profile cases, including the historic Ayodhya judgment. He openly shared that he had sought divine guidance for a fair resolution to the Ayodhya dispute, which drew both praise and criticism. Additionally, he faced scrutiny for assigning certain sensitive bail matters to specific benches, stirring debate on judicial transparency and independence.
In September, a public appearance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at CJI Chandrachud’s residence for a religious ceremony raised questions regarding the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive. This event, which was televised, ignited discussions about the independence of India’s judiciary and drew criticism from some quarters.
A Legacy of Judicial Integrity and Technological Innovation
Despite the criticism, Justice Chandrachud’s tenure has left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary. Sworn in as the 50th CJI in November 2022, he became the longest-serving CJI since 2010, following a legal career that spans decades. He authored numerous landmark judgments and is widely known for his dissenting opinion in the Aadhaar case, where he argued that the Aadhaar Act should not have been passed as a Money Bill, citing it as unconstitutional.
Throughout his term, Justice Chandrachud also emphasized the importance of technology in modernizing the judiciary. As Chairperson of the Supreme Court’s E-Court Committee, he oversaw the implementation of live-streaming infrastructure for court proceedings, especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote access was essential.
A Distinguished Career
Justice Chandrachud’s legal career includes numerous public interest cases, ranging from workers’ rights to LGBTQ+ issues. After serving as an Additional Solicitor General, he was appointed to the Bombay High Court in 2000, followed by his elevation as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in 2013, and finally his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2016.
Born on November 11, 1959, Justice Chandrachud’s academic journey took him from Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College to Harvard University, where he completed his LL.M. and later, his SJD. His distinguished background, legal expertise, and dedication to transparency and fairness have cemented his legacy as a judge who balanced tradition with progressive values.
As he steps down, Justice Chandrachud leaves behind a judiciary modernized, resilient, and equipped to address future challenges. His successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, will inherit a legacy of judicial reforms, including the advancement of digital infrastructure and a commitment to judicial independence, setting a high standard for the future.
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