A Farewell Message from the Ceremonial Bench
On the final day of his tenure, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud addressed the nation from the ceremonial bench. Reflecting on his time as India’s Chief Justice, he conveyed a sense of fulfillment: “Though I won’t be delivering justice from tomorrow, I am at peace,” he said, marking the end of his two-year term that began on November 9, 2022.
A Light-hearted Moment
Justice Chandrachud shared a humorous exchange with his registrar judicial from the night before. “When my registrar judicial asked about the ceremony’s start time, I suggested 2 pm, hoping to wrap up pending matters. But I thought to myself—will anyone actually turn up at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon? Or will I be left staring at myself on the screen?” This lighthearted moment brought warmth and levity to his farewell.
The Role of Judges: “Like Pilgrims”
In his reflection on the judiciary, Justice Chandrachud likened judges to “pilgrims,” who come to court each day with a commitment to serve justice. “Our work can make or break cases,” he said. He honored the legacy of great judges before him, adding that he felt reassured to leave the bench in the capable hands of his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, whom he praised as an exceptional leader.
A Humble Farewell
Ending his message with a note of humility, Justice Chandrachud requested forgiveness for any unintentional wrongs during his tenure, quoting the Jain phrase “Michhami Dukkadam,” meaning, “May all my misdeeds be forgiven.”
Tributes from the Bar and His Successor
The legal fraternity gathered to pay tribute to Justice Chandrachud, describing him as a “rock star” of the judiciary. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, soon to be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India, spoke highly of his predecessor’s work for the marginalized. He also humorously noted Justice Chandrachud’s fondness for samosas, a staple at every meeting, although the Chief Justice rarely indulged.
Reforms and Initiatives in the Court
Justice Chandrachud’s tenure brought many changes to the Supreme Court, from establishing Mitti Cafe, supporting individuals with disabilities, to creating a dedicated bar room for women lawyers, along with beautification projects across the court premises.
Landmark Judgments and Legal Milestones
- Revocation of Article 370
Justice Chandrachud presided over the bench that upheld the revocation of Article 370, reshaping Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. He emphasized the need for timely elections and the restoration of statehood “at the earliest.” - Special Marriage Act and LGBTQ+ Rights
Justice Chandrachud ruled to maintain the traditional definition of marriage under the Special Marriage Act but underscored the need for the LGBTQ+ community to be treated with dignity and equality, highlighting the ongoing journey for LGBTQ+ rights in India. - Electoral Bonds Scheme
In another landmark judgment, he ruled to dismantle the electoral bonds scheme, pushing for greater transparency in political financing. He instructed the State Bank of India to stop issuing these bonds, a significant step toward transparency in political funding.
