Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared that his father, former Chief Justice YV Chandrachud, advised him not to sell their family flat in Pune until after his retirement. His father believed that having a home to return to would be important once he stepped down from the judiciary. This advice highlighted the elder Chandrachud’s perspective on maintaining stability and a place to call home after years of public service. The flat remains a symbol of continuity and familial wisdom for the Chandrachud family.
New Delhi: In a deeply moving and reflective speech, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud shared personal stories from his upbringing, emphasizing the values his parents instilled in him and the significant role the judiciary plays in the lives of everyday people.
He spoke at events organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in honor of his tenure, which will conclude on November 10.
Justice Chandrachud, who took office as the 50th Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022, highlighted his father’s foresight and wisdom, his mother’s nurturing strength, and the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and compassion in serving the community.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared a moving story about his father, the late Y.V. Chandrachud, India’s 16th Chief Justice and one of its longest-serving. He revealed that his father had bought a small flat in Pune for a meaningful purpose.
“When I asked him why he bought the flat, he said, I know I will not stay in it.'”
CJI Chandrachud said,
“He told Keep that flat until I retire as a judge so that I would always know that if my moral integrity was ever to be compromised, I had a roof over my head,”
This message highlighted the importance of moral integrity and the strength to uphold ethical principles without fear of material insecurity.
Reflecting on his childhood, CJI Chandrachud also spoke of his mother’s dedication when he often fell ill, noting,
“My mother spent nights after nights ensuring I got well. She used to recite a shloka, which meant medicine is like the Ganges, and the doctor holds the position of Narayan.”
He humorously added,
“My mother dominated the home, and now Oriya women also call the shots at home, but she didn’t mess up my judgments.”
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reflected on his judicial work, sharing cases that highlight the judiciary’s role in transforming lives.
He recounted how the Supreme Court intervened for two visually impaired candidates to sit for the Rajasthan judicial exams, saying,
“After they appeared, we were told they qualified and made it to the select list. That’s what makes us tick.”
He also recalled a case of a doctor with muscular dystrophy who, despite excelling in NEET, was denied admission to an MBBS program; the court ensured his enrollment after confirming his capability. In another instance, the court directed admission for a daily wage worker’s child who almost lost his IIT seat due to an inability to make a credit card payment, ensuring merit prevailed over financial barriers.
CJI Chandrachud said,
“These stories remind us why we do what we do. It’s not just about writing judgments on complex subjects, it’s about the impact we have on the lives of common citizens,”
Addressing diversity in judicial appointments, he highlighted the unique value service judges bring to the judiciary. He acknowledged the common divide between bar judges and service judges in High Courts but emphasized the latter’s expertise.
He noted, adding that this diversity strengthens the judiciary’s collective insight,
“Service judges bring a wealth of knowledge about trial action they understand witnesses, the evidence mechanism, and how justice is intended to be done,”
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared how his father’s encouragement to study Hindi in college shaped his worldview.
He reflected,
“He insisted I study Hindi, which was unconventional at the time, but it broadened my horizons,”
Through stories like these, Chief Justice Chandrachud illustrated a life rooted in integrity, compassion, and dedication to service. His reflections highlight the values that inspire his vision for the judiciary, portraying him as not only a judge but also a source of hope for the common citizen. As he continues his work, his father’s wisdom serves as a guiding force, a reminder that integrity is the foundation of a meaningful life.