New Delhi: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud marked his last working day on Friday after a two-year tenure at the helm of India’s judiciary. He is set to retire on Sunday, passing the leadership to Justice Sanjiv Khanna. On his last working day, Justice Chandrachud presided over a Constitution bench that delivered a major ruling on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University. In a 4:3 judgment, the bench reversed a 1967 decision that had revoked the university’s minority status, while also stating that a three-judge bench would determine whether it should be restored.
Here’s a look at some of Justice Chandrachud’s major rulings during his tenure as Chief Justice:
Electoral bonds
In 2024, several key Supreme Court rulings have shaped India’s legal landscape. In February, a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Chandrachud struck down the Electoral Bonds scheme, deeming it unconstitutional due to its potential for quid pro quo arrangements. The court also ordered the State Bank of India to stop issuing bonds and directed the Election Commission to disclose political parties’ electoral bond receipts since 2019.
Private property
In a landmark private property verdict, the Court ruled that privately owned properties cannot be considered community resources under Article 39B, rejecting the argument that the State could seize such properties for the common good.
Article 370
The Court also upheld the scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, confirming its temporary nature and calling for Assembly elections by September 2024.
Same-sex marriage
On same-sex marriage, the Court left the matter to the legislature but acknowledged the difficulties faced by queer couples.
Section 6A
It also upheld Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, recognising Bangladeshi refugees’ citizenship rights under the Assam Accord.
Caste-based discrimination in prisons
In October, the Court addressed caste-based discrimination in prisons, ordering reforms in jail manuals.
UP Madrasas ruling
It also upheld a law regulating Uttar Pradesh’s madrasas, ruling that it didn’t violate secularism principles.
NEET ruling
In another ruling, the Court refused to cancel the 2024 NEET exam despite a paper leak.
Other significant decisions included ruling against immunity for MPs and MLAs involved in bribery and directing state action on child marriage prohibition.
