Introduction
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a key figure in the judiciary, leading the highest court and ensuring the rule of law is upheld. Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the current Chief Justice of India, has brought a progressive and empathetic vision to the Supreme Court. Since his appointment on November 9, 2022, Justice Chandrachud has been a pivotal force in the Indian judiciary, challenging conventional norms and delivering landmark judgments. As he approaches retirement in November 2024, his tenure is marked by significant contributions both inside and outside the courtroom.
Personal Life and Background
Born on November 11, 1959, Justice Chandrachud has a strong legal lineage. His father, Justice Y.V. Chandrachud, was the longest-serving Chief Justice of India (1978-1985). This unique connection has led to moments where Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has had to make decisions that contrasted with his father’s earlier rulings, demonstrating his commitment to evolving judicial principles.
Outside the courtroom, Justice Chandrachud is known for his humility, intellectual curiosity, and passion for social justice. He has a profound interest in music, literature, and classical Indian dance, which reflect his multifaceted personality. His well-rounded approach to life is mirrored in his judicial philosophy, where he has consistently sought to bridge tradition with modern values.
A Progressive and Compassionate Judge
Justice Chandrachud’s judicial style is marked by empathy, a deep sense of justice, and a focus on human rights. He is known for his liberal views and is often seen as a champion of individual freedoms. His demeanor in the courtroom is professional and respectful, fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue. Colleagues and junior advocates often praise his willingness to listen to all arguments and his tendency to engage in thorough legal reasoning.
One of his notable initiatives as Chief Justice was the introduction of a fully accessible canteen in the Supreme Court, staffed entirely by physically abled individuals. This move was part of his broader vision to create an inclusive and supportive environment within the judiciary, promoting equality not only in judgments but in everyday actions.
Significant Judgments and Legal Stance
Justice Chandrachud’s decisions often reflect his commitment to progressive ideals. Some of the most notable include:
- Going Against His Father’s Judgment: The Adultery Law (2018)
- In 2018, Justice Chandrachud was part of the bench that decriminalized adultery by declaring Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code unconstitutional. Interestingly, his father, Justice Y.V. Chandrachud, had upheld the validity of the same provision decades earlier. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s ruling emphasized the equality of genders, stating that treating women as property of their husbands was archaic and discriminatory. This decision highlighted his courage to challenge past precedents, even those set by his father, in favor of modern constitutional principles.
- LGBTQ+ Rights (Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India, 2018)
- Justice Chandrachud played a crucial role in decriminalizing homosexuality, striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. He highlighted the importance of individual dignity, autonomy, and privacy, contributing to a historic victory for the LGBTQ+ community in India.
- Sabarimala Case (2018)
- His ruling in the Sabarimala case, which allowed women of all ages to enter the temple, was a bold stance on gender equality. Despite social and political backlash, he remained steadfast in his belief that tradition should not trump constitutional values of equality and non-discrimination.
- Right to Privacy (2017)
- In the landmark Right to Privacy case, Justice Chandrachud played a pivotal role in declaring privacy a fundamental right, overruling a previous judgment that his father had supported, again showing his evolution of thought in the context of contemporary societal values.
Reforms and Initiatives as Chief Justice
Justice Chandrachud has been at the forefront of judicial reforms aimed at modernizing the judiciary:
- Technological Modernization: He has actively advocated for the digitization of court records, the introduction of e-filing systems, and virtual courtrooms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the legal system more accessible and transparent.
- Inclusivity in the Workplace: His initiative to employ physically abled individuals in the Supreme Court canteen was part of a larger push for diversity and inclusion within the judiciary. This act was widely appreciated and demonstrated his belief in leading by example.
- Focus on Speedy Justice: Acknowledging the problem of judicial backlog, he introduced measures to streamline case management and improve the efficiency of court operations. His focus has been on reducing delays in the delivery of justice, a long-standing challenge in India.
Retirement and Legacy
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud is set to retire on 10th November 2024, as he reaches the retirement age of 65 for Supreme Court judges. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to constitutional values, social justice, and individual rights. He will leave behind a legacy of transformative judgments and progressive thinking that challenged societal norms while reinforcing the strength of India’s democratic framework.
His retirement will mark the end of a distinguished career, but his judgments will continue to shape Indian jurisprudence for years to come. The reforms he initiated, especially concerning technology and inclusivity, are expected to have a lasting impact, creating a more accessible and equitable legal system.
Conclusion
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s career is a testament to the evolving nature of justice in India. His willingness to challenge established norms, even those set by his own family, reflects his dedication to the spirit of the Constitution. As he prepares to step down from the highest judicial office, his contributions will be remembered for their courage, compassion, and commitment to creating a more inclusive society.
From path-breaking judgments to administrative innovations, Justice Chandrachud’s legacy is a beacon for future jurists who seek to balance tradition with the demands of a rapidly changing world.
