In an emotional and heartfelt farewell, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud retired from his esteemed judicial position on Friday, bringing an end to his remarkable tenure at the Supreme Court. During his final appearance in the court, Justice Chandrachud, known for his steady leadership and progressive judgments, took a moment to reflect on his journey. As the ceremonial proceedings unfolded, he expressed gratitude to all those who had supported him throughout his career and sought forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally hurt.
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Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud rises after completing his last board of cases in the #SupremeCourtofIndia pic.twitter.com/KRdqVigoz4
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) November 8, 2024
A Personal Touch: ‘Pilgrims’ in the Court of Justice
The outgoing CJI reminisced about his early days in the judiciary, sharing that when he was young, he would visit the Supreme Court and gaze at the portraits of former justices. “We are here as pilgrims, birds for a short passage of time,” he remarked, emphasizing the transient nature of one’s time in such a prestigious institution. He also reflected on how, at one point, he had wondered about the empty courtroom at 2 PM, not foreseeing his eventual role in it. Justice Chandrachud’s humble words resonated with all present in the courtroom, underlining the collective responsibility of upholding justice.
Commitment to Justice Until the End
Despite the emotional weight of his final day, CJI Chandrachud remained fully committed to his judicial duties, as he had always been. Before the ceremonial bench was convened, he made it clear that he wanted to hear as many matters as possible, a testament to his dedication to justice. “I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to do justice till the last time possible,” he said, reinforcing his deep sense of duty to the court and its role in society.
A Thankful Goodbye and Apologies
In his closing words, Justice Chandrachud apologized to anyone he may have hurt during his tenure and thanked the lawyers present for their participation in the farewell. His remarks were met with a resounding acknowledgment from the legal community, including prominent figures like Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal, who celebrated his legacy and praised his leadership. “It is this court that keeps me going,” he shared, before bidding farewell, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Indian judiciary.
End of an Era: A Dignified Transition
As the Chief Justice prepares to pass the torch to his successor, Justice Chandrachud’s farewell marks the end of an era in the Supreme Court. His legacy, characterized by a deep commitment to justice and fairness, will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals.