CJI DY Chandrachud Farewell: CJI Chandrachud got emotional on his last working day, settled 45 cases, told people- forgive me if I hurt anyone

CJI Chandrachud will retire on November 10, 2024, but before that November 8 was his last working day in the Supreme Court

New Delhi : A ceremonial bench sat to bid farewell to CJI Chandrachud. Justice Manoj Mishra, Justice JB Pardiwala, senior lawyers and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, who will take over as CJI from November 10, also attended the bench. Justice Khanna will be the 51st CJI of the country. Major decisions of CJI Chandrachud’s 2-year tenure include decisions like Article 370, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, One Rank-One Pension, Madrasa Case, Sabarimala Temple Dispute, Validity of Electoral Bonds and CAA-NRC.

Justice Chandrachud’s father Yashwant Vishnu Chandrachud was the 16th CJI of the country. His tenure was from February 22 ,. 1978 to July 11, 1985, i.e. for about 7 years. He took up the same post 37 years after his father’s retirement. Justice Chandrachud has also overturned two major decisions of his father in the SC. The court became more hi-tech during CJI Chandrachud’s tenure. These included improvements in e-filing, paperless submission, WhatsApp updates for pending cases, digital screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced video conferencing, live tracking of pending cases, live streaming from all courtrooms.

Lawyers’ comments…

Attorney General AR Venkataramani: You have been completely impartial in delivering justice. We never hesitated before you. We were always confident that we have presented our case before you in full. As the head of this judicial family, you have always taken a stand. You will be known for 5 Cs – Calm, Cool, Composed, neither critical nor condemning.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal: In my 52 years of tenure in the Supreme Court, I have not seen such a patient judge. You reached out to communities of the country that were not seen or heard of before. You brought them to the court and told them what justice is. Your father was the CJI when the courts used to be turbulent. You came here when the issues are turbulent.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi: You taught us how to use iPad during the hearing, at least I learnt about it. Your young look makes us feel old. At least tell us the secret behind it.

Senior Lawyer: The secret behind your young look is yoga.

Justice Sanjeev Khanna said– He has made my job both easy and difficult. Easy because many revolutions have taken place, and difficult because I cannot match him, I will always miss him. His young look is discussed not only here but also abroad. Many people came to me in Australia and asked what his age is.