Sun Nov 10 08:21:42 UTC 2024: ## Chief Justice Chandrachud Bids Farewell, Reflects on Legacy of Integrity and Family Values
**New Delhi:** Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, delivered a heartfelt farewell speech at an event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, highlighting the values instilled in him by his family and the impact they have had on his legal career.
In a touching anecdote, Chandrachud recalled a conversation with his father, former Chief Justice YV Chandrachud, about a small flat in Pune. The Chief Justice explained that his father bought the flat despite knowing he would never live there, simply to ensure that his son would have a place to go if ever his integrity was compromised. “Never allow yourself to be compromised either as a lawyer or as a judge because you have no place of your own,” the elder Chandrachud had told his son.
Chandrachud also paid tribute to his mother, Prabha Chandrachud, a classical musician for All India Radio, who he described as a powerful figure who dominated their household. He fondly recalled her emphasis on acquiring knowledge over material wealth and her belief in the power of education.
In a humorous moment, Chandrachud drew laughter from the audience when he compared his mother’s influence to that of his wife, Kalpana. “Like most Maharashtrian women, my mother was very powerful. Ours was a woman-dominated house. My mother dominated everything at home,” he said. “I think women from Odisha are in the same pattern. My lovely spouse Kalpana calls all the shots at home, but never messes around with the judgments,” he added.
He also spoke fondly of Bhimabai Bhanu Kamath, their family’s long-time household help, who taught him valuable lessons about life beyond the urban area he grew up in and fostered his connections with friends from different backgrounds.
Chandrachud’s speech concluded with an account of his father’s insistence that he take Hindi as a subsidiary subject at Delhi University, a decision that proved invaluable to his legal career. “Very often, the advocacy in English will end with ‘please, your lordship’. Lawyers would accept me so much better. They realised the frailties of my language, but they felt I had reached out to them in a language which was close to their hearts,” he said.
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s tenure comes to an end today after two years of service, with Justice Sanjiv Khanna set to take the oath as the next Chief Justice tomorrow. His farewell speech served as a testament to the power of family values and the importance of integrity in public service.
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