November 9, 2024 - Yesterday was the last working day for Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, known for delivering several important judgments during his two-year tenure. He was given an emotional farewell by his fellow judges and senior lawyers who fondly recalled his contributions.

The country’s 50th CJI, Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud began his career as a judge in March 2000 at the Bombay High Court. He was appointed CJI in November 2022. During his tenure, he made crucial rulings on issues related to individual rights, gender equality, freedom of expression, privacy and other important constitutional matters.

Reflecting on his tenure, CJI Chandrachud said, “There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need”. He added, “If I have inadvertently hurt anyone, please forgive me.”

Expressing confidence in the incoming CJI Sanjiv Khanna, he remarked, “There will be no difference in the court after I leave, as Justice Khanna, a person of steady and dignified character, will take over.”

Chandrachud added, “As judges, we decide on complex matters, but what matters most to us is how our decisions impact the lives of ordinary citizens.”

In a lighter vein he added, “I might be the most trolled person, but I worry about what will happen from Monday. Those who used to troll me might become unemployed. But my shoulders are strong enough to bear all kinds of criticism.”

A farewell event was organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and attended by CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Bidding farewell to CJI Chandrachud who will retire tomorrow, November 10, Justice Khanna praised outgoing CJI Chandrachud for his “monumental” contribution to improving the Supreme Court and pursuing his goal of making it “a sanctuary of inclusivity”.