CJI Chandrachud bids farewell; reflects on legacy, extends apologies

NEW DELHI: On his final working day as Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud spent a meaningful Friday, November 8, 2024, immersed in delivering judgments and handling cases, followed by a touching farewell in the Supreme Court’s packed courtroom. The event, attended by colleagues, family, and lawyers, marked the end of his eight-year tenure as a judge at the apex court.

In a brief but heartfelt speech, Chief Justice Chandrachud reflected on his time on the bench, comparing judges to “birds of a short passage of time.” Known for his openness and transparency, he acknowledged the intense public and private scrutiny he faced, saying he welcomed it as “sunlight, the best disinfectant.” He took a moment to offer an apology for any unintentional errors or misunderstandings, expressing, “If I have ever hurt anyone, I seek your forgiveness.”

His successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, praised Chief Justice Chandrachud for the transformative changes he introduced, describing them as both a source of ease and a challenge. Justice Khanna shared, “He has made my task easy and tough. Easy because of the revolutions ushered in and tough because I cannot walk up to him.” Recalling a recent experience abroad, Justice Khanna added, “In Australia, many asked about his age; his youthfulness and legacy are recognized far beyond our borders.”

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Senior advocate and SCBA president Kapil Sibal paid tribute, honouring Chief Justice Chandrachud as “the extraordinary son of an extraordinary father.” Sibal praised him as a uniquely patient, compassionate, and trailblazing judge. “You brought unheard communities to the forefront, showing them dignity and respect,” Sibal noted. He emphasized the Chief Justice’s dedication to liberty, fraternity, and the rights of the marginalized, calling him unafraid to confront turbulent times head-on. “Your greatest legacy to this court will be that there will be none like you,” Sibal concluded.

As Chief Justice Chandrachud departs, the Supreme Court, along with the legal fraternity, honours a leader who profoundly impacted India’s judicial landscape, paving a progressive path for his successors.