The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) hosted a grand felicitation ceremony for Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjay Y. Chandrachud at the central court hall of the Bombay High Court. The event marked a significant moment in the judicial history of India, as CJI Chandrachud is set to retire on November 10, 2024, after a remarkable tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India. His contributions have been widely lauded for shaping the legal landscape of the nation, particularly in advancing the principles of equality, dignity, and inclusion.
A Warm Welcome in Familiar Surroundings
The central court hall of the Bombay High Court witnessed a large gathering of legal luminaries, members of the judiciary, and senior advocates, all eager to celebrate CJI Chandrachud’s illustrious career. Nitin Thakkar, Senior Advocate and President of the BBA, delivered the opening address. Thakkar highlighted that CJI Chandrachud is the 10th Chief Justice of India to have been a member of the Bombay Bar Association. Reflecting on his judicial legacy, Thakkar said, “History will undoubtedly remember CJI Chandrachud as a champion of the principles of equality, dignity, and inclusion.”
Thakkar also praised some of CJI Chandrachud’s landmark judgments, notably the verdicts on the right to privacy and the decriminalization of adultery, where he reversed the earlier stance taken by his father, Y.V. Chandrachud, the former Chief Justice of India. His decisions were hailed as groundbreaking in strengthening individual rights and upholding constitutional morality.
Advocate General and Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay on CJI’s Legacy
Advocate General Birendra Saraf emphasized CJI Chandrachud’s role in renewing public confidence in the judiciary. Saraf noted that CJI Chandrachud’s judgments have contributed to India’s reputation as a nation that prioritizes the needs of all citizens, often outpacing developed nations in terms of social sensitivity. “His administrative reforms have revitalized our system,” Saraf stated, adding that CJI Chandrachud’s legacy is marked by “footprints which time cannot erase.”
Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, welcomed CJI Chandrachud in a heartfelt speech that combined warmth and wit. CJ Upadhyay expressed admiration for CJI Chandrachud’s dedication, saying, “You have not only brought abundant wisdom and fairness but also a passion for a different work culture, grace, and courage.” Upadhyay also recited verses of poetry, reflecting the sentiment of continuous striving for justice, a hallmark of CJI Chandrachud’s career.
CJI Chandrachud’s Reflections on His Career
Addressing the gathering, CJI Chandrachud expressed gratitude to the institution he served for decades. He said, “It is a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and remembrance. I owe everything to this institution.” He shared fond memories of his time at the Bombay High Court, recalling lighthearted anecdotes and moments that shaped his judicial philosophy.
CJI Chandrachud emphasized the importance of delivering judgments in open court, a practice he valued for its transparency and clarity. He remarked, “The art of dictating judgments in the court itself ensures clarity of thought and justice.” He also advised young lawyers to uphold ethical standards, warning against the temptation to cut corners, which could undermine the integrity of the legal profession.
Advocating for Gender Inclusivity and Technological Advancements
CJI Chandrachud also touched upon his efforts to make the legal profession more gender-inclusive and technologically advanced. Reflecting on an experience with a young female lawyer, he highlighted the need for robust virtual court systems that can accommodate the challenges faced by women balancing familial and professional responsibilities. He asked, “Why should a woman have to behave like a man to succeed at the Bar?”
He emphasized that his mission over the last five years has been to use technology to make the judiciary more accessible and citizen-friendly. “My purpose in advancing technology has been to make life easier for common citizens,” CJI Chandrachud said, stressing the need for continuous efforts to make the judiciary responsive and inclusive.
A Legacy of Compassionate Justice
CJI Chandrachud concluded his speech by recalling cases that underscored his compassionate approach to justice. He shared stories of marginalized individuals whom he helped secure justice, whether it was enabling a Dalit student to gain admission to IIT-Dhanbad or allowing a student with muscular dystrophy to pursue an MBBS course despite medical board objections. He emphasized, “You can find 25 reasons of a technical nature not to grant relief, but one single justification to do so is often enough.”
The event ended with applause and admiration for CJI Chandrachud’s profound contributions to Indian jurisprudence. As he prepares to step down, his influence on the legal system—characterized by compassion, equality, and integrity—will continue to inspire future generations of judges, lawyers, and citizens.
