New Delhi: On Friday, November 8, 2024, DY Chandrachud bid farewell to his post as Chief Justice of India, bringing his two-year tenure to a close. In a heartfelt address at the courtroom, he reflected on his judicial journey with gratitude and humility. Surrounded by colleagues and members of the legal fraternity, Chandrachud took a moment to appreciate his career and seek forgiveness for any inadvertent harm caused.Personal Reflections and Humorous Moments from the Chief JusticeJustice Chandrachud, known for his wisdom and grace, shared an anecdote from his last day in office. Recalling a conversation with his registrar, he humorously wondered if anyone would be present at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon for the ceremonial farewell. Or will I look at myself on the screen he said with a smile, lightening the mood.Chandrachud also expressed deep admiration for the traditions of the judiciary, recounting how, as a young lawyer, he observed the meticulous craft of courtroom arguments. We are here as pilgrims to work, and the work we do can make or break cases, he said. He went on to acknowledge the significant contribution of previous judges and expressed confidence in the future leadership, stating, A person as stable as Justice Khanna will take over and is so dignified.Seeking Forgiveness and Giving Thanks for the JourneyIn an emotional moment, Chandrachud sought forgiveness from those he may have unintentionally hurt during his tenure. If I ever hurt any one of you, I would like to say forgive me for anything which I didnt intend to or hurt you, he remarked, showing his deep sense of humility and compassion.Reflecting on his experiences, he attributed his perseverance in the role to the journey of judgeship, and thanked his colleagues for the invaluable lessons he had learned. I thank each one of you, and all of you taught me so much about law and life, he added.Tributes from Legal Fraternity and ColleaguesOn his final day, senior members of the bar and bench paid moving tributes to Justice Chandrachud. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta praised his balanced and impartial leadership, noting, “For government, we won few and we lost many, but we knew that we did not get an opportunity to convince the court and put our point forward.” He fondly referred to Chandrachud as “the karta of the family,” highlighting his dedication and fairness.Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal added an emotional touch, calling him “an extraordinary son of an extraordinary father,” while Justice Sanjiv Khanna, his successor, acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Easy because of the revolutions ushered in, and tough because I cannot walk up to him he will be sorely missed,” said Justice Khanna, describing the legacy left by Chandrachud.Farewell to a Respected Leader: A Legacy of DignityJustice Chandrachuds tenure has left a lasting impact on Indias legal system. As he stepped down, his colleagues, both senior and junior, expressed admiration for his leadership and his efforts to reach out to marginalized communities. His influence on the judiciary will be remembered not only for his legal acumen but also for his humane approach to justice.
