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DY Chandrachud, the outgoing Chief Justice of India, leaves behind a legacy marked by a strong emphasis on personal liberty, efficient case disposal, and tackling economic offenses, particularly those related to money laundering. His tenure, spanning from November 2022 to November 2024, saw the Supreme Court grapple with a significant caseload, with 1,11,498 new cases filed and 1,07,403 disposed, highlighting a robust approach to clearing the court's backlog.
One of the defining features of Chandrachud's tenure was his commitment to upholding personal liberty. This was evident in the Supreme Court's dedication to expeditiously addressing bail matters. During his time as Chief Justice, the court dealt with 21,358 bail cases, nearly matching the number of such cases filed during the same period. This emphasis on expedited justice for those awaiting trial underscores his commitment to ensuring individual rights.
Beyond bail matters, Chandrachud's tenure saw a determined effort to address economic offenses, particularly those involving money laundering. The Supreme Court disposed of 907 cases related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) out of the 961 filed during this time. This focus on financial crimes reflects the judiciary's growing role in tackling complex economic issues.
Another hallmark of Chandrachud's leadership was his strategic approach to resolving older, pending cases. He implemented a system where cases dating back to 2019, already pending after receiving notice, were listed daily alongside regular cases. This proactive approach aimed to reduce the long-standing backlog and ensure that justice was not delayed indefinitely.
Chandrachud's tenure also witnessed a revitalization of constitutional adjudication. He spearheaded the establishment of multiple constitutional benches to address long-standing issues, significantly contributing to the resolution of complex constitutional questions. In 2023 and 2024 alone, he set up 17 and 20 constitutional benches respectively, resulting in the disposal of 33 critical constitutional cases that had awaited resolution for years. These benches, dedicated to constitutional matters, demonstrated Chandrachud's commitment to ensuring the proper interpretation and application of the country's foundational document.
While Chandrachud's efforts to clear the court's backlog yielded significant results, he acknowledged the increasing pendency figures, which reached 82,000 cases by the end of his tenure. He attributed this increase in part to a more transparent approach, wherein previously unregistered or defective cases were now included in the official count. His decision to make this data publicly available, along with his efforts to tag every case with a unique number, reflects his dedication to transparency and accountability.
Chandrachud's tenure as Chief Justice was marked by a substantial contribution to the body of legal jurisprudence. He personally authored 92 judgments, a notable number compared to his predecessors with similar terms. His judgments, characterized by meticulous analysis and insightful observations, will undoubtedly continue to shape the legal landscape in India for years to come. His legacy as Chief Justice will be remembered for his commitment to justice, efficiency, and upholding the principles of a fair and impartial judiciary.
Source: Disposing bails, money laundering cases: A look at DY Chandrachud's tenure as Chief Justice