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Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, in his farewell speech at a function organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, highlighted his commitment to transparency and the impact of judicial decisions on ordinary lives. He also expressed his confidence in the future of the Supreme Court under the leadership of Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Chandrachud's tenure as CJI was marked by significant reforms aimed at improving the transparency and efficiency of the court system.
Chandrachud's belief in the power of transparency was evident in his decision to expose his personal life to public scrutiny, even acknowledging the potential for criticism. He implemented a system to publicly display data on all pending cases, revealing that he found approximately 1,500 cases hidden in a Registrar's cupboard when he assumed office. This move aimed to bring greater order and transparency to the court's processes. Furthermore, he addressed concerns about rising pendency, clarifying that the actual number of pending cases had decreased in the past two years.
He stressed the impact judges have on the lives of ordinary people, citing several instances where the court intervened to ensure justice and equality. He highlighted cases involving visually challenged candidates in the Rajasthan Judicial Service Examination, an aspiring doctor with severe lower-limb myopathy, and economically disadvantaged students seeking admission to prestigious institutions. These examples underscored his commitment to ensuring access to justice and opportunity for all.
In his farewell speech, Chandrachud acknowledged the challenges faced by the court, including rising pendency, and the importance of the Bar in guiding and educating judges. He reflected on his initial years as a judge and the advice he received from his father, former CJI YV Chandrachud, to never compromise his integrity. He expressed pride in the Supreme Court's resilience and voiced confidence in the institution's future.
Chandrachud's tenure as CJI has been marked by his dedication to transparency, his commitment to ensuring justice for all, and his belief in the strength and integrity of the Supreme Court. His farewell speech offered a poignant reflection on his leadership and a vision for the future of the Indian judiciary.
Source: My Shoulders Are Broad Enough To Accept All Criticism: CJI DY Chandrachud In Farewell Speech