Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud recently concluded a significant official visit to Bhutan, from October 7 – October 10, alongside his Bhutanese counterpart, Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin.
The visit culminated in the signing of 4 memoranda of understanding designed to bolster judicial and legal cooperation between the 2 neighboring countries.
During his stay, CJI Chandrachud had the opportunity to meet with key Bhutanese leaders, including the King of Bhutan, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Discussions centered on the “unique and special ties of friendship and cooperation” that bind India and Bhutan.
On October 9, at the Supreme Court of Bhutan, the 2 Chief Justices presided over the signing of the MoUs aimed at enhancing bilateral judicial collaboration. The agreements included:
1. An MoU between the Supreme Courts of both nations to foster judicial cooperation.
2. The renewal of an MoU between the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal and the Bhutan National Legal Institute, focusing on legal education and capacity building.
3. The renewal of an MoU between the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru and the JSW School of Law, emphasizing collaboration in legal education and research.
4. An MoU between the Indian Council of Arbitration and the Bhutan Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at promoting arbitration and mediation.
CJI Chandrachud also participated in the third convocation ceremony of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) School of Law on October 8, where he delivered an inspiring commencement address.
Reflecting on his service, he shared his dedication to the country amid “fears and anxieties” about how history would judge his tenure. He addressed the misconception that traditional values in India and Bhutan are at odds with modern democratic principles like liberty, equality, and dissent.
The ceremony was graced by Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the founding president of the JSW School of Law, the Bhutan National Legal Institute, and the Bar Council of Bhutan.
On October 9, CJI Chandrachud further addressed the gathering on “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Public Trust: Leveraging Transparency and Technology.”
He emphasized that judges must decide constitutional and legal questions without being swayed by popular morality, asserting that institutional trust in courts is fundamental to a thriving constitutional order.
Overall, CJI Chandrachud’s visit laid a robust framework for enhanced cooperation in the judicial and legal sectors between India and Bhutan. It reaffirmed the exemplary bilateral partnership characterized by trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding, as noted in a statement from the Supreme Court.
This collaboration is poised to strengthen the judicial frameworks in both nations, reflecting their commitment to shared values and democratic ideals.
