On November 9, 2024, the Supreme Court will host a ceremonial bench at 2 PM to honor Chief Justice of India Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud as he concludes his service on his final working day. This session will celebrate his impactful tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India, where he was lauded for spearheading transformative reforms in the judiciary focused on transparency, inclusivity, and technology enhancement.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will be joined by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the CJI-designate set to succeed him, and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. During his tenure beginning in November 2022, Justice Chandrachud has been at the forefront of promoting judicial transparency and access. He has introduced significant innovations including e-filing, digitization of court records, and the live streaming of proceedings, which have democratized access to the judiciary across the country.
Justice Chandrachud’s leadership has seen the Supreme Court deliver several landmark rulings that have advanced the rights of marginalized communities, environmental protection, and fundamental human rights. His tenure is noted for blending respect for constitutional mandates with an acute awareness of the need for social justice in modern democratic governance.
Justice Khanna is anticipated to follow in Justice Chandrachud’s progressive footsteps while bringing his own judicial philosophy to the bench. Known for his principled approach to law and governance, Justice Khanna is expected to further emphasize judicial access and inclusivity.
Under Justice Chandrachud, the judiciary has seen an increase in efficiency and accessibility through technology integration, such as the establishment of virtual courtrooms and the expansion of the National Judicial Data Grid. These initiatives have been crucial in streamlining case management and enhancing the litigation experience for both lawyers and the public.
The ceremonial bench is a revered tradition in the Supreme Court, meant to honor the contributions and legacy of retiring justices. Today’s ceremony will not only pay tribute to Justice Chandrachud’s reforms but also signify the continuation of a judiciary dedicated to the principles of justice, equality, and fairness.
