 |
|
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's farewell address on Friday marked the end of his two-year tenure at the Supreme Court. In a heartfelt speech, he reflected on his time as head of the judiciary, highlighting his commitment to judicial reform and transparency, while not shying away from humorous remarks about the criticisms he faced. His tenure was marked by a drive to modernize the judicial system, increase accountability, and make the court more accessible to the public.
The outgoing Chief Justice, known for his candid and often witty approach, shared personal anecdotes and philosophies that shaped his 24-year judicial career. He emphasized the importance of integrity and independence, highlighting advice from his father to never compromise his values, even when facing financial pressures. Chandrachud also acknowledged the challenges of the judicial role, recognizing that not every injustice can be rectified by the court. He emphasized the significance of listening and hearing the voices of those seeking justice, even when relief may not be attainable.
During his tenure, Chandrachud championed transparency and introduced reforms aimed at increasing the judiciary's accountability. He declared that 'sunlight is the best disinfectant,' reflecting his commitment to open and transparent practices. He embraced public criticism and social media commentary, emphasizing the importance of accepting scrutiny and accountability. To enhance transparency and accessibility, he implemented data-driven approaches, ensuring the public had access to information about pending cases. This initiative helped reduce the backlog of cases, with over 11,000 cases resolved during his tenure. He also addressed the issue of registered and unregistered cases, highlighting that the reported number of pending cases includes both categories.
Chandrachud's commitment to transparency and reform extended to internal practices within the Supreme Court. He addressed the issue of the Chief Justice-centric nature of the court, recognizing the need for a more collaborative and collegial approach. He commended his colleagues, emphasizing the importance of working together without personal agendas and prioritizing the institution's interests. He acknowledged the challenges they faced and expressed his gratitude for their support.
In a humorous moment, Chandrachud acknowledged the criticisms he received, quipping that those who trolled him would be 'unemployed' from Monday onward. This lighthearted remark served as a testament to his ability to embrace criticism and maintain a sense of humor, even in the face of challenging situations. He concluded his farewell address by expressing confidence in his successor, Chief Justice-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna, praising his experience, stability, and erudition. Chandrachud's tenure was marked by a commitment to reform, transparency, and accessibility, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian judicial system.
Source: Trolls will now be unemployed, Chief Justice Chandrachud quips at farewell