On his final working day as Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud expressed that there was no greater feeling than serving those in need, especially people he had never met.
Speaking before a ceremonial bench of the Supreme Court on Friday, Chandrachud, who is set to retire on November 10, reflected on his tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India. He was joined by CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna, and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra to bid him farewell.
Chandrachud, who succeeded his father, YV Chandrachud — the longest-serving Chief Justice in Indian history — assumed office on November 9, 2022.
With visible emotion, the outgoing Chief Justice shared that his time on the bench was deeply fulfilling, not just because of the work he accomplished, but for the opportunity to serve the country.
“There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need, and people you would never meet, people whose lives you have the ability to affect without ever having seen them,” he said.
Chandrachud recounted his journey from sitting in the back row as a law student to rising to the head of India’s judiciary. He described his role as an immense privilege and asserted that each day in court offered an opportunity to learn and grow, both legally and personally.
“I was always aware of the overpowering presence of the greats of this court and the responsibility that came with sitting in this chair. But at the end of the day, it is not about the individual, it is about the institution and the cause of justice we uphold here,” he said.
The Chief Justice praised his colleagues on the bench, especially Justices Pardiwala and Misra, for their diverse perspectives and contributions to their collective work. He also expressed confidence in the future of the court under his successor, Justice Khanna, describing him as “dignified, stable, and deeply committed to justice.”
In his farewell address, Chandrachud thanked everyone who contributed to his journey, including senior advocates, junior lawyers, and court staff. He acknowledged their role in shaping his understanding of law and life. He also offered an apology for any unintentional mistakes during his tenure, saying, “If I have ever hurt anyone, I seek your forgiveness.”
Justice Khanna, who will succeed him as Chief Justice, praised Chandrachud’s leadership, saying, “He has made my task both easy and tough. Easy because of the revolutions he has ushered in, and tough because I cannot walk up to him. He will be sorely missed.”
Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal called Chandrachud “an extraordinary son of an extraordinary father” and commended his limitless patience and exemplary conduct as a judge. Sibal noted how Chandrachud had reached out to marginalised communities, bringing them before the court and giving them dignity.
“You have dealt with the court in tumultuous times, unafraid of the consequences. Your legacy will be that there will be no one like you,” Sibal said.
Former Attorney General KK Venugopal shared a personal memory, recalling how he had advised Chandrachud’s father not to encourage his son to pursue a judgeship. He called it a “fortunate mistake,” given Chandrachud’s remarkable contributions to the judiciary.
Some of the verdicts delivered during his tenure include right to privacy, decriminalising homosexuality, Sabarimala temple entry, Ayodhya title dispute, constitutionality of electoral bonds scheme, sub-classification within SC/ST categories, among others.