Pranav Shukla
On 8th November 2024, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud gave a heartfelt farewell speech which marked as an emotional conclusion of his tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India. With gratitude and humility, he reflected on his judicial journey, sharing personal anecdotes and appreciation for his colleagues and the legal fraternity. The courtroom was filled with esteemed members, all gathered to bid farewell to a remarkable leader.
In a poignant moment, Justice Chandrachud sought forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally hurt, demonstrating his compassion and commitment to fairness. This gesture was characteristic of his tenure, marked by notable judgments, including dissenting opinions on significant cases.“We are here with a purpose, dedicated to our work, and the efforts we put in can make a real difference in cases. Many remarkable judges have served in this court before us, passing on their legacy. When I step down, there will be no change in the court’s strength, as Justice Khanna, a person of great stability and dignity, will take over,” he said.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and peers, praising Justice Chandrachud’s dedication, impartiality, and technological advancements in the judiciary. Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and KK Venugopal shared fond memories and admiration for his service.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna taking over as the 51st CJI of India, praised outgoing Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s remarkable qualities, saying he’s made his job easier with numerous tech advancements. However, Khanna noted that matching Chandrachud’s standards won’t be easy. He highlighted Chandrachud’s disciplined lifestyle, being a vegan who wakes up at 4 am, and his interesting contradictions – loving samosas but skipping meals during meetings.
Marking the end of his term, Justice DY Chandrachud will step down as India’s 50th Chief Justice on November 10. Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to succeed him as the nation’s 51st Chief Justice.