Fri Nov 08 11:34:13 UTC 2024: ## Chief Justice Chandrachud Concludes Tenure with Landmark Judgments

**New Delhi:** Chief Justice DY Chandrachud concluded his two-year tenure as the head of the Indian judiciary on Friday. Justice Sanjiv Khanna will succeed him as the new Chief Justice on Sunday.

During his time as Chief Justice, Chandrachud oversaw numerous landmark rulings, impacting various aspects of Indian society. Some of his most notable judgments include:

* **Electoral Bonds:** The Supreme Court, under Chandrachud’s leadership, declared the Electoral Bonds scheme unconstitutional, arguing it promoted opaque political funding and potentially created quid-pro-quo arrangements.
* **Private Property Rights:** The court clarified that not all privately owned properties qualify as community resources that the State can take over for public good. This decision addressed concerns about government overreach in land acquisition.
* **Article 370:** The court upheld the scrapping of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, stating it was a temporary provision. The court also directed the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and mandated Assembly elections by September 30, 2024.
* **Same-Sex Marriage:** While refusing to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriage, the court acknowledged the discriminatory difficulties faced by queer couples and called for a government panel to address these concerns.
* **Caste-Based Discrimination in Prisons:** The court outlawed caste-based discrimination within prisons, including segregated barracks and biased treatment of prisoners from de-notified tribes. This ruling aimed to promote equality and dignity for all inmates.

Other significant rulings during Chandrachud’s tenure include upholding the validity of the Assam Accord, clarifying the immunity of MPs and MLAs from prosecution in bribery cases, and issuing directions for the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Chandrachud’s tenure as Chief Justice was marked by a commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice for all. His legacy will be remembered for these landmark judgments and his unwavering advocacy for human rights.

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