Mon Oct 21 17:27:17 UTC 2024: **Summary of the Article on Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud**

1. **Appointment and Background**:
– Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud is the 50th Chief Justice of India, appointed by President Droupadi Murmu in November 2022.
– He is the son of former Chief Justice Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud and has a distinguished judicial career, previously serving as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and a judge at the Bombay High Court.

2. **Judicial Contributions**:
– Chandrachud is recognized for progressive judgments and has made significant contributions, authoring over 220 decisions during his tenure.

3. **Notable Judgments**:
– **Right to Privacy**: In the landmark 2017 ruling where the Supreme Court unanimously declared the right to privacy as a fundamental right, underlining its importance in a democratic society.
– **Decriminalization of Section 377**: In 2018, he played a key role in decriminalizing consensual same-sex relations, affirming that sexual orientation is integral to human dignity.
– **Hadiya Case**: The Supreme Court upheld the marriage of Hadiya against her father’s wishes in 2018, reinforcing individual autonomy in marriage and religion.
– **Abortion Rights**: In 2021, Chandrachud led a ruling that extended abortion rights to unmarried women, challenging patriarchal norms.
– **Sabarimala Case**: He was instrumental in the 2018 ruling that women of menstruating age should not be barred from entering the Sabarimala temple, declaring such practices unconstitutional.
– **Decriminalization of Adultery**: In 2018, he declared Section 497 of the IPC unconstitutional, promoting gender equality.
– **Recognition of Living Wills**: The Supreme Court accepted living wills as valid for passive euthanasia in 2018, allowing individuals to die with dignity.
– **Supertech Twin Towers Case**: In 2021, he ordered the demolition of illegally constructed twin towers in Noida for public safety.
– **Delhi Governance Ruling**: In May 2023, he clarified that the Delhi government exercises control over administrative services, strengthening democratic governance.

4. **Impact on Law and Society**:
– Chandrachud’s judgements have significantly influenced societal norms and contributed to the protection of fundamental rights, equality, and individual liberty, setting precedents for future legal challenges.

This summary reflects the achievements and judicial philosophy of Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, illustrating his commitment to progressive justice in India.

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