Sun Nov 10 07:12:47 UTC 2024: ## CJI DY Chandrachud’s Legacy: A Mixed Bag of Landmark Judgments

**New Delhi:** Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who will step down on November 10, 2024, leaves behind a legacy marked by a significant number of landmark judgments, some considered groundbreaking while others sparked debate. He presided over 18 Constitution Bench judgments during his tenure, authoring many himself and participating in dissenting and concurring opinions.

**Key Decisions:**

* **Delhi’s Administrative Powers:** In a crucial case, the court ruled that Delhi has legislative and executive power over administrative services, excluding public order, police, and land.
* **Shiv Sena Rift:** The court refused to reinstate Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister, concluding that his resignation was voluntary.
* **Queer Marriage Recognition:** The court refused to grant legal recognition to queer marriages, citing the need for legislative action. However, a committee was formed to examine the rights of persons in queer unions.
* **Arbitration Agreements:** The court held that arbitration agreements can bind non-signatories under the ‘group of companies’ doctrine.
* **Article 370 Repeal:** The court upheld the government’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
* **Unstamped Arbitration Agreements:** The court ruled that arbitration clauses in unstamped agreements are enforceable.
* **Anonymous Electoral Bonds:** The court struck down anonymous electoral bonds, deeming them unconstitutional.
* **Interim Orders in Trials:** The court overturned the ‘Asian Resurfacing’ judgment, which mandated automatic expiration of interim orders after six months.
* **Bribery in Legislature:** The court overturned a 1998 judgment granting immunity to lawmakers who receive bribes.
* **State Tax on Mineral Rights:** The court held that States have the power to levy tax on mineral rights.
* **Sub-classification of Scheduled Castes:** The court ruled that States can sub-classify Scheduled Castes for separate quotas.
* **Assam Accord Validity:** The court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, recognizing the Assam Accord.
* **Regulation of Industrial Alcohol:** The court ruled that States have the power to regulate industrial alcohol.
* **Private Property Redistribution:** The court held that not all private properties can be equitably redistributed by the state.
* **LMV License for Transport Vehicles:** The court ruled that an LMV license holder can drive transport vehicles weighing under 7500 kg.
* **Changing Rules Midway:** The court held that rules of a selection process cannot be changed midway unless permitted by the rules.
* **Aligarh Muslim University’s Minority Status:** The court overruled a 1967 judgment, leaving the question of AMU’s minority status to be decided by a regular bench.
* **Arbitration in Public Sector Undertakings:** The court ruled against clauses allowing PSUs to unilaterally appoint arbitrators.

**Controversial Decisions:**

Some of these decisions, particularly the rulings on queer marriage, Article 370, and the Assam Accord, sparked controversy, highlighting the challenging task of balancing societal interests with individual rights.

**A Legacy of Change:**

While some critics argue that his decisions have been swayed by political pressure, Chandrachud’s tenure has undoubtedly left its mark on Indian jurisprudence. His judgments, especially those related to individual rights and the role of the state, will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come.

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