In his farewell speech as the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud expressed gratitude for his time on the bench, acknowledging the diverse individuals he met and the unique nature of each case he encountered. “It is this court that keeps me going…we meet people we possibly don’t know. I thank all of you and each one of you, and there is no case similar to another,” he said, adding a heartfelt apology for any unintended harm caused during his tenure, urging forgiveness if anyone had been hurt in the process.
CJI Chandrachud made these remarks during a ceremonial bench, marking the culmination of his tenure. He was succeeded by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will take over as the 51st Chief Justice of India. Reflecting on his last day, CJI Chandrachud revealed that he had hoped to hear as many cases as possible before his retirement. “When my court staff asked me yesterday about the timing for the Ceremonial Bench, I told them I’d hear as many matters as I could. I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to deliver justice until the very last moment,” he said.
The outgoing CJI, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2016 and assumed office as the 50th Chief Justice in November 2022, also expressed humility over the large turnout for his final address. “Last night, I wondered if the court would be empty at 2 pm, and I would be looking at myself on the screen,” he said. “I am humbled by the presence of all of you. We are like pilgrims or birds passing through for a brief time. We do our work and leave.”
On the subject of his successor, Justice Khanna, CJI Chandrachud spoke highly of him, describing Justice Khanna as a person who is “so stable, solid, and dignified.”
Justice Chandrachud’s speech was a poignant reflection on his tenure as CJI, underscoring his deep commitment to justice and the importance of humility in the legal profession.
