“I Won’t Deliver Justice from Tomorrow, But I’m Content,” says CJI Chandrachud in Emotional Farewell

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th Nov. On his final day as Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud bid farewell with reflections on his two-year tenure from the ceremonial bench. “I won’t be able to deliver justice from tomorrow, but I am content,” he said, acknowledging the close of his role as India’s 50th Chief Justice.

Justice Chandrachud, who took office on November 9, 2022, shared a light moment about preparing for the ceremony. “When my registrar judicial asked me what time the ceremony should begin, I suggested 2 pm, thinking it would help us wrap up pending items. But I wondered if anyone would be here at 2 pm on a Friday or if I’d be left looking at myself on the screen,” he quipped.

Reflecting on his judicial career, Justice Chandrachud likened judges to “pilgrims” who come to court daily with a commitment to serve. He paid homage to the “great judges who have adorned this court” and expressed confidence in his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, whom he praised as an able leader. “If I have ever hurt anyone in court, please forgive me,” he said, using the Jain phrase “Michhami Dukkadam,” meaning “May all my misdeeds be forgiven.”

Lawyers and members of the bar gathered to honour the outgoing Chief Justice, hailing him as a “rock star” of the judiciary. Justice Khanna, set to be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice on November 11, also expressed admiration, adding a lighthearted note about Justice Chandrachud’s fondness for samosas, which often appeared in meetings though the Chief Justice himself rarely ate them.

Justice Chandrachud’s tenure introduced notable changes within the Supreme Court, including Mitti Cafe, an empowerment facility for people with disabilities, and a dedicated bar room for women lawyers, along with several beautification projects for the premises.

During his time as Chief Justice, he delivered a series of landmark rulings. His Constitution Bench upheld the revocation of Article 370, mandating elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 2024 and emphasizing swift restoration of statehood. In another notable decision, Justice Chandrachud left the legal recognition of same-sex marriages to Parliament, asserting, however, that the LGBTQ+ community must be treated with dignity. He also presided over the dismantling of the electoral bonds scheme, ordering greater transparency in political funding by halting the State Bank of India’s issuance of electoral bonds.

Justice Chandrachud’s legacy is marked by a progressive approach, leaving a transformative impact on Indian jurisprudence and the judicial community.