Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said on Saturday that judges can bring a “great deal” of experience to legislative roles and that the hesitation around such transitions is often driven by public perception rather than constitutional barriers. He made these remarks during the launch of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s new book Our Living Constitution, held in Mumbai.
Speaking at the event organised by the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), the former CJI highlighted that the contribution of former judges in public service — particularly in tribunals and potentially even in legislatures — is often underestimated. “We have had some exceptional individuals who occupied those offices as well, people who have done remarkably well in those offices. In fact, I believe that there’s a great deal of experience which judges can bring to, say, the legislative bodies,” he said.
Justice Chandrachud also addressed concerns around judicial independence and post-retirement appointments, noting that a healthy democracy includes multiple safeguards. “It’s a combination of the Constitution, active participation of citizens in the adjudicatory process, the critique of an independent media, and civil society which is constantly keeping a watch, and how judges behave and perform,” he said.
The event also saw Dr. Shashi Tharoor weigh in on the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. When asked who might fill the vacant seat, he responded, “Honestly, there’s no clue. The government has given no clue. But the fact is that it will be somebody nominated by the ruling party because they have a comfortable majority. Unlike the President, where all the State assemblies also vote.”
The discussion also touched on broader constitutional and political themes, including the feasibility and implications of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposal and ongoing debates around reservation policies.
