CJI DY Chandrachud’s Farewell: A Legacy of Service, Humility, and Landmark Judgments
On his final day as Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud bid an emotional farewell from the ceremonial bench, reflecting on his remarkable tenure. While acknowledging the end of his judicial role, he expressed a sense of contentment, saying, “Though I won’t be delivering justice from tomorrow, I am at peace.”
Appointed Chief Justice on November 9, 2022, Justice Chandrachud shared a lighthearted moment with his registrar, humorously remarking on the timing of his farewell address at 2 pm on a Friday, uncertain of how many would attend. He likened his judicial journey to that of a pilgrim, constantly devoted to serving the public. With a sense of assurance, he expressed his confidence in leaving the Supreme Court under the leadership of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, whom he praised as an “able leader.”
In his farewell message, Justice Chandrachud humbly invoked the Jain phrase “Michhami Dukkadam,” asking for forgiveness if his actions had unintentionally caused any harm. The ceremony was attended by numerous lawyers and bar members, who affectionately referred to him as the “rock star” of the judiciary.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was set to succeed him, spoke fondly of Justice Chandrachud’s unwavering commitment to justice, especially for marginalized communities, and shared a personal anecdote about his fondness for samosas.
Under Justice Chandrachud’s leadership, the Supreme Court saw significant reforms, including the establishment of Mitti Cafe, which provides employment to differently-abled individuals, and the creation of a dedicated bar room for women lawyers. His tenure also witnessed several landmark rulings.
He upheld the revocation of Article 370, ruling that Jammu and Kashmir’s elections should be held by September 2024 and that statehood must be restored. He also ruled on the contentious Special Marriage Act case, leaving the decision on legalizing same-sex marriage to Parliament but affirming the LGBTQ+ community’s right to dignity.
In another crucial judgment, Justice Chandrachud played a pivotal role in abolishing the controversial electoral bonds scheme, calling for greater transparency in political funding and directing the State Bank of India to cease issuing these bonds.
As his tenure ended, Justice Chandrachud’s legacy as a dedicated and transformative leader of the judiciary remains firmly etched in the history of India’s legal landscape.
