The son of Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, who served as India’s longest-tenured Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud was born into a legacy of legal distinction on November 11, 1959. Yet, his achievements as a jurist have firmly established his own unique legacy.
The tenure of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud is set to conclude on November 10, 2023. Friday was his last day of working. His departure was marked by an impactful decision regarding the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, reflecting the significance of his years on the bench.
Who is DY Chandrachud?
Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, India’s 50th Chief Justice of India, is celebrated for his compassionate approach to law and keen interpretation of constitutional rights. His journey to this pinnacle was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice and a willingness to confront controversial issues.
The son of Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, who served as India’s longest-tenured Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud was born into a legacy of legal distinction on November 11, 1959. Yet, his achievements as a jurist have firmly established his own unique legacy.
Early life and education
Raised in Mumbai, CJI Chandrachud developed an early understanding of law and society, deeply influenced by his father’s service in the judiciary. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, then pursued a law degree at Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre, graduating in 1982. His academic pursuit of law culminated in an LLM and a Doctorate in Juridical Sciences from Harvard Law School, where his exposure to global legal theories shaped his judicial philosophy.
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A distinguished career in Law
Following his Harvard graduation, Justice Chandrachud practised law at the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India. In 1998, he was designated a senior advocate by the Bombay High Court, and shortly afterward, he was appointed as the Additional Solicitor General of India. His judicial career formally began in 2000 as a judge of the Bombay High Court. By 2013, he had become the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, a role he held until his appointment to the Supreme Court in May 2016. His ascent to Chief Justice of India in 2022 was a natural progression for a judge of his calibre, known for tackling some of the most challenging and polarising cases of his time.
Landmark judgments and judicial philosophy
Justice Chandrachud has left an indelible mark through a series of landmark judgments, reflecting his deep commitment to upholding individual freedoms, constitutional rights and social justice.
– Privacy as a Fundamental Right: In the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case, Justice Chandrachud was the sole dissenter, arguing that the Aadhaar program was passed unconstitutionally. His stance underscored his belief in privacy as a fundamental right, setting the stage for future interpretations of data privacy.
– Sabarimala Temple Entry Case: Chandrachud was a key voice on the bench that ruled the exclusion of women aged 10-50 from Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple unconstitutional. His judgement, grounded in “constitutional morality,” emphasised that traditions should not override fundamental rights, particularly gender equality.
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– Bhima Koregaon Case: In the Romila Thapar v. Union of India case, which dealt with the arrest of activists accused of inciting violence, Chandrachud dissented, arguing that their arrests potentially violated their rights to free expression and personal liberty under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
– Ayodhya Title Dispute: Justice Chandrachud was also part of the bench on the historic Ayodhya land dispute case, which peacefully resolved one of India’s most contentious religious conflicts, shaping a nuanced view of secularism.
– Abolishing of Article 377: On June 12, 2009, India’s Law Minister Veerappa Moily acknowledged that Section 377 might be outdated. This paved the way for a historic judgement on July 2, 2009, when the Delhi High Court struck down the 150-year-old law, legalising consensual homosexual activities between adults. Justice Chandrachud was also part of the bench.
A legacy of judicial vision and progressive thought
Justice Chandrachud’s career reflects his dedication to balancing tradition with progressive ideals. Known for his thorough judgments and humane approach, he often challenged established norms to expand the interpretation of individual rights. His judgments display a rare blend of empathy and legal precision, embodying a vision of justice that resonates beyond the courtroom.
As he retires, Justice Chandrachud’s final decision on AMU’s minority status will encapsulate his tenure’s defining traits: courage in conviction, a profound understanding of constitutional principles, and a commitment to advancing individual rights within India’s legal framework. His legacy will continue to shape the future of Indian jurisprudence and inspire the next generation of legal minds.
