In an emotional and reflective farewell speech, Chief Justice of India Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud shared heartfelt anecdotes about his transformative tenure as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. Recalling his journey, the CJI candidly spoke about the unexpected turn of events that brought him to Allahabad and the profound impact the experience had on him, both personally and professionally.
The Journey to Allahabad High Court
Chief Justice Chandrachud recounted the surprising sequence of events leading to his appointment at the Allahabad High Court. “Before I became the Chief Justice of Allahabad HC, I was told I was being appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi HC. That appointment never came through. Then I was told about Madhya Pradesh, and even that did not happen. One evening, I received a call from Justice RM Lodha, who informed me that I was being sent to Allahabad HC as its Chief Justice,” he said.
The news came as a surprise, even to his family. “When I told my wife, there was a long silence. We ate our meal in absolute silence. Later, I wrote to the then Chief Justice of India, accepting the position and expressing my delight,” he added.
Reflecting on the decision, Justice Chandrachud remarked, “My experience in Allahabad changed me forever.”
A Lesson in Simplicity and Warmth
CJI Chandrachud spoke fondly of the simplicity of life in Allahabad and the warmth he received from the legal fraternity there. “In the simplicity of Allahabad and the warmth of the lawyers, I learned so much. I traveled across the length and breadth of Uttar Pradesh. It was a humbling experience,” he said.
He recalled the immense administrative responsibilities he took on in the High Court, which had a sanctioned strength of 160 judges. “When I introduced 117 judges to the then CJI TS Thakur, he was astonished to see that I knew the names of all the judges. I had created an album with pictures of all the judges and used to see it every morning,” Justice Chandrachud shared, highlighting his meticulous approach to his role.
Facing Strikes and Challenges
The CJI also spoke about the challenges of dealing with lawyers’ strikes in the Allahabad High Court. “I had my fair share of strikes, and I often wondered if these strikes were happening because of me. Strikes would start with one issue and then expand to four or five others,” he said, with a touch of humor.
Despite the difficulties, Justice Chandrachud maintained a sense of resolve and commitment to the institution. His ability to navigate these complexities while maintaining his equanimity earned him the respect of his peers and the bar.
A Transformative Chapter
Justice Chandrachud’s tenure at the Allahabad High Court was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal journey of growth. “Allahabad gave me invaluable experiences that shaped my approach to justice, administration, and life. The lessons I learned there have stayed with me throughout my career,” he concluded.
As Chief Justice Chandrachud prepares to bid farewell to the judiciary, his reflections on his time in Allahabad High Court stand as a testament to the enduring influence of this historic institution on one of India’s most eminent jurists.
