CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, known for his straightforward and innovative approach, shared an interesting anecdote about utilizing in-flight internet to draft a judgment while returning from the G-20 summit in Brazil. This creative solution left his fellow judges impressed.
CJI Chandrachud revealed that during his flight back to India, he needed to draft a judgment and collaborate with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. To accomplish this, he made use of the airplane’s internet service. CJI Chandrachud explained, “We had to deliver the judgment today, and I was in Brazil for the G-20 summit. So, I used the in-flight internet to work, and Justice Pardiwala shared document drafts with me, while Justice Misra also worked on the same documents.”
Justice Pardiwala added, “This incident will always be close to my heart because it traversed from Brazil to India.” Senior Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi humorously remarked, “This judgment will be cited by airlines to promote the effectiveness of their internet service.”
The court also appreciated the arguments presented by a junior lawyer in the case. The Supreme Court’s decision upheld the Gujarat High Court’s policy on the promotion of district judges, challenged by a petition questioning the merit-cum-seniority basis of the appointments.
The decision came in response to a plea against the Gujarat government and the Gujarat High Court’s method of appointing district judges. The Supreme Court had previously sought responses from both the High Court and the Gujarat government on April 13, 2023. Among the 68 promoted judges was Harish Hasmukhbhai Verma, the judicial magistrate from Surat who had convicted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a criminal defamation case, leading to Gandhi’s temporary disqualification from Parliament, which was later stayed by the Supreme Court.
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This incident showcases not only the dedication and resourcefulness of the CJI but also highlights the technological advancements enabling seamless judicial work even at 30,000 feet.
