New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, at his farewell function on Friday, addressed the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) with humility and humor, expressing his readiness to accept public criticism. “My shoulders are broad enough to accept all the criticism we have faced,” he remarked, acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with public service, especially in the social media age. In a lighter tone, he added, “I am wondering what will happen from Monday. All those who trolled me will be rendered unemployed.”
#WATCH | While addressing his farewell function, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud says "He (my father) bought this small flat in Pune. I asked him, why on earth are you buying a flat in Pune? When are we going to go and stay there? He said, I know I'm never going to stay… pic.twitter.com/6nqbSH7HKk
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024
Reflecting on his tenure, CJI Chandrachud highlighted his dedication to addressing the pendency of cases. “Between November 2022 and November 2024, 1.11 lakh cases were filed, 5.33 lakh cases were listed, and 1.07 lakh cases were disposed of,” he shared, emphasizing his commitment to reducing delays and improving access to justice. The pending case numbers saw a notable decrease from 93,000 in 2022 to 82,000 in 2024, marking an achievement in addressing judicial backlog.
SCBA President Kapil Sibal praised CJI Chandrachud’s tenure, acknowledging his openness to tackle complex legal issues, including Article 370, same-sex marriage, and electoral bonds. “You were willing to take them forward…We may not agree with you, but we must salute you for being ready to deal with those complexities,” Sibal said, underscoring the CJI’s courage and clarity on sensitive matters.
Justice Chandrachud shared a personal story involving his father, who had advised him on integrity in his role as a judge, encouraging him never to compromise his values. He also recalled his mother’s advice, who named him “Dhananjay” to reflect a life rich in knowledge rather than material wealth.
Looking forward, CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna praised his predecessor’s technological advancements within the judiciary, which have strengthened the top court’s operations and modernized its processes.
CJI Chandrachud’s farewell marks the end of a tenure that embraced reform, transparency, and resilience against criticism, leaving a profound impact on India’s judicial landscape.
