We are here only as pilgrims, Do our work and leave.
– DY Chandrachud
Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, commonly referred to as D.Y. Chandrachud, has etched an indelible mark on India’s judicial landscape. His time as the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI), which began in November 2022, is evidence of his unwavering dedication to justice, constitutional principles, and progressive jurisprudence. Reformative rulings, compassionate leadership, and an optimistic outlook for India’s judiciary are among the foundations of his legacy.
Before being promoted to the Supreme Court in 2016, Justice Chandrachud was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2000 and then became the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. His rulings and opinions throughout the years have continuously demonstrated a thorough comprehension of the Constitution and a dedication to upholding basic liberties.
TRAILBLAZING DECISIONS AND FORWARD-THINKING PERSPECTIVES
His seminal rulings that tackled important questions of individual liberties, human rights, and social standards are among the finest examples of Justice Chandrachud’s legacy. Some of the notable judgments are:
- In Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) : Justice Chandrachud was a member of the landmark bench that decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships by overturning Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. His ruling upheld the idea that the Constitution safeguards personal freedom and identity by emphasizing equality and decency.
- Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) : Justice Chandrachud played a key role in establishing privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 in this historic ruling. The foundation for preserving individual liberties and personal information in the digital era was established by this ruling.
- Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018), Sabarimala Temple Entry : By concurring in this judgement, Justice Chandrachud challenged patriarchal customs that infringe upon gender equality and defended women’s rights to access the Sabarimala shrine.
- Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017): Justice Chandrachud backed the historic decision that ruled instant triple talaq unlawful in, which upheld gender equality and justice.
DEDICATION TO REFORMING THE COURTS
D.Y. Chandrachud led several changes to improve the accessibility and efficiency of the judiciary while serving as Chief Justice. During his tenure, he worked to integrate technology, such as digitizing case documents and holding virtual court sessions. These programs had a crucial role in enhancing the judiciary’s flexibility and inclusivity, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s difficulties.
In addition, Justice Chandrachud promoted live-streaming of court hearings to bridge the gap between the public and the judiciary to increase judicial transparency, accountability and confidence in the judicial system.
The legacy of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud goes beyond his rulings. Empathy, a profound comprehension of the intricacies of society, and a vision for a more inclusive and fairer India are all evident in his approach to justice. He has reinterpreted the judiciary’s function as a guardian of individual liberties and rights by defending constitutional principles and questioning antiquated conventions.
Generations of jurists and legal scholars will continue to be inspired by Justice Chandrachud’s achievements and his work will always be a reminder that the Court is a source of hope for the weak and disenfranchised as well as a foundation of democracy.