New Delhi: In a heartfelt farewell address on the final day of his tenure, outgoing Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud acknowledged the end of his two-year journey at the helm of the country’s highest court. “I won’t be able to deliver justice from tomorrow, but I am content,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Recalling a humorous moment with his registrar, he shared his initial apprehension about conducting a ceremonial session at 2 pm on a Friday, wondering if anyone would be present. He humorously questioned if he would be left alone “looking at myself on the screen.”
“When my registrar judicial asked me what time the ceremonial should begin, I said 2 pm, thinking it would allow us to wrap up a lot of pending items. But I wondered to myself-will anyone actually be here at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon? Or will I just be left looking at myself on the screen?”
Justice Chandrachud reflected on the role of judges, comparing them to pilgrims committed to serving the court each day. He paid tribute to the “great judges who have adorned this court and passed on the baton,” expressing confidence in his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, whom he praised as an able leader.
Justice Chandrachud’s tenure saw numerous changes within the Supreme Court, including the establishment of the Mitti Cafe, a facility empowering individuals with disabilities, a dedicated bar room for women lawyers, and beautification projects for the premises. “If I have ever hurt anyone in the court, please forgive me for that,” he said.
He presided over a series of landmark judgments, notably the Constitution Bench upholding the revocation of Article 370. He also delivered key judgments concerning the Special Marriage Act and the controversial electoral bonds scheme, upholding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for greater transparency in political financing.
As Justice Chandrachud steps down, his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has vowed to continue his work, describing him as a champion for the marginalised and the needy.
