The outgoing Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud became emotional as he reflected on his tenure during his last official working day.
He will officially retire on November 10, but today marked a poignant farewell, attended by a ceremonial four-judge bench that included Chief Justice-designate Sanjiv Khanna and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
In a heartfelt address, CJI Chandrachud expressed immense satisfaction with his service, stating, “There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need.” He emphasized the privilege of impacting the lives of individuals he would never meet, underscoring the importance of justice and service.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Y.V. Chandrachud, who served as Chief Justice from 1978 to 1985, CJI Chandrachud took office on November 9, 2022. During his farewell, he recounted his journey from a law student to the highest judicial position in the country, highlighting the daily opportunities for learning and growth he experienced on the bench.
“I was always aware of the overpowering presence of the greats of this court and the responsibility that came with sitting in this chair,” he noted. He acknowledged that his tenure was not solely about individual accomplishments but about the institution and the cause of justice.
CJI Chandrachud praised his colleagues, particularly Justices Pardiwala and Misra, for their collaborative spirit and diverse perspectives that enriched their collective work. He expressed confidence in Justice Khanna’s leadership, describing him as “dignified, stable, and deeply committed to justice.”
In his closing remarks, CJI Chandrachud expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey, from senior advocates to court staff, and asked for forgiveness for any inadvertent mistakes during his tenure. “If I have ever hurt anyone, I seek your forgiveness,” he said.
Justice Khanna paid tribute to CJI Chandrachud, acknowledging the challenges of succeeding such an influential figure. “He has made my task easy and tough,” he remarked, noting the lasting impact Chandrachud has had on the judiciary.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal praised the outgoing Chief Justice as “the extraordinary son of an extraordinary father,” highlighting his patience and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities through the law.
Justice Chandrachud, born on November 11, 1959, has had a distinguished career in the judiciary. He began as a senior advocate in 1998 and served as additional solicitor general before becoming a Bombay High Court judge in 2000. He later became Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in 2013.
Throughout his two-year tenure, CJI Chandrachud delivered several landmark judgments. He presided over a Constitution Bench that validated the abrogation of certain clauses of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. In another significant ruling, he upheld the existing framework of the Special Marriage Act, leaving the question of same-sex marriage to Parliament while affirming the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
His tenure culminated in a ruling that abolished the electoral bonds scheme, enhancing transparency in political funding and directing the State Bank of India to cease issuing these bonds.
As he prepares to retire, CJI Chandrachud leaves behind a legacy of commitment to justice, compassion, and significant contributions to India’s legal landscape.
