On November 8, 2024, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud marked his final day at the Supreme Court of India by presiding over 45 cases. Leaving a legacy of 612 authored decisions, he influenced landmark rulings and modernized courtroom technology. Tributes highlighted his fairness and outreach, ensuring voices of marginalized communities were acknowledged, shaping India’s legal landscape for future generations.
New Delhi: On November 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of India witnessed a historic moment as Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud presided over 45 cases on his final working day before retiring on November 10. The ceremonial bench session, which was live-streamed for public viewing, featured participation from Justice Manoj Mishra, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will succeed him as the 51st Chief Justice of India.
Justice Chandrachud, appointed to the Supreme Court on May 13, 2016, leaves behind an indelible legacy. During his tenure, he was part of 1,274 benches and authored 612 decisions, the highest number among current justices. His final day in court was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, handling a variety of cases that demonstrated the breadth of his judicial reach and efficiency.
Throughout his two-year term as Chief Justice, Justice Chandrachud was integral to several landmark rulings. His leadership shaped pivotal decisions related to Article 370, the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the One Rank-One Pension scheme, madrasa regulations, and the Sabarimala temple dispute. These cases remain monumental in Indian judicial history, reflecting his profound influence on shaping India’s legal landscape.
Colleagues and dignitaries present on his final day shared heartfelt tributes. Attorney General A.R. Venkataramani praised his fairness in the courtroom, noting that Justice Chandrachud’s balanced approach ensured all voices were heard. Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, commended his patience and outreach efforts, which consistently brought the concerns of marginalized communities into judicial consideration. Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted his forward-thinking approach, particularly his embrace of modern technology, jokingly inquiring about his “secret” to maintaining such a youthful appearance—a topic that even sparked discussion in Australia.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, acknowledging the legacy left behind, noted that Justice Chandrachud’s term saw significant advancements in courtroom technology, including enhanced e-filing systems, paperless submissions, and live tracking of pending cases. These innovations have made the judicial process more transparent and efficient, reflecting his commitment to modernizing the judiciary.
Furthermore, Justice Chandrachud’s tenure was marked by a commitment to transparency and judicial infrastructure reforms. He oversaw updates to the Supreme Court’s procedures, including the redesigning of judicial symbols and revising seating arrangements for judges to create uniformity.
Justice Chandrachud’s final working day in office was not just a culmination of his legal career but a reflection of his legacy of justice, innovation, and modernization in India’s highest court. His contributions will resonate long after his retirement, shaping the future of Indian justice for years to come.
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