Wed Jan 08 18:19:00 UTC 2025: ## Former Chief Justice Chandrachud Reflects on Career, Landmark Judgments, and Criticisms
**New Delhi, [Date]** – In a wide-ranging interview with NDTV, former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud reflected on his nearly three-decade-long legal career, offering insights into landmark judgments, the challenges of judicial life, and criticisms leveled against the Supreme Court.
Justice Chandrachud, who recently retired as the longest-serving Chief Justice in over a decade, discussed his pivotal role in shaping Indian jurisprudence through judgments on electoral bonds, Article 370, and same-sex marriage. He revealed that law wasn’t his first choice, initially pursuing economics before his father encouraged him to follow his chosen path. He fondly recalled mentorship from legal luminaries like Fali Nariman and Soli Sorabjee, and highlighted the influence of Professor Lotika Sarkar in introducing him to feminist jurisprudence.
The former Chief Justice recounted his modest beginnings, earning a mere 75 rupees for his first case despite holding a doctorate from Harvard Law School. He emphasized that while academic achievements are valuable, practical experience is crucial in the legal profession.
Justice Chandrachud elaborated on the significance of the electoral bonds judgment, explaining that while aware of its political ramifications, the court’s decision was based on fundamental principles of transparency and combating arbitrariness in political funding. He stressed the importance of judicial humility, acknowledging the vastness of legal knowledge and the long-term societal impact of court decisions. He described the judging process as a “lonely task,” requiring intense reflection and self-questioning.
Addressing criticism regarding the Supreme Court’s overruling of past judgments, including some by his own father, Justice Chandrachud explained that the court’s role is to adapt to societal changes. He cited the evolution of India’s economy since the 1990s as a reason for revisiting previous rulings. He clarified that such overrulings don’t necessarily imply the initial judgments were wrong, but rather that their context has shifted.
Justice Chandrachud also addressed a colleague’s criticism of his harshness in a past judgment, clarifying that certain strong statements attributed to him were from a draft and not the final version. He justified strong language in overruling judgments like the ADM Jabalpur case, citing the gravity of the human rights violations during the Emergency.
He acknowledged the increased scrutiny judges face in the age of social media, noting the challenges of managing public discourse and limited attention spans. While acknowledging that criticism can be irrational, he emphasized the importance of judges remaining true to their conscience and striving for the best possible outcome.
Finally, Justice Chandrachud addressed accusations of judicial evasion, stating that the Supreme Court faces an immense workload with a significant case backlog. He explained the difficult balancing act between prioritizing constitutional matters and individual cases, and the strain on judicial resources. He highlighted the record number of cases filed and disposed of during his tenure, emphasizing the dedication of the Supreme Court despite the challenges.
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