Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India, is known for his progressive judgements and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. With a legacy inherited from his father, the longest-serving CJI, Justice Chandrachud has become one of the most influential and respected judges in the Supreme Court. Notably, his lead judgement in the historic right to privacy case and his stance against the criminalisation of same-sex relations under Section 377 have solidified his reputation as a champion of individual rights and liberties.
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud: A Stalwart of Indian Judiciary
Background:
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the current Chief Justice of India (CJI), is a renowned legal luminary whose legacy is deeply entwined with the Indian judiciary. Born in Mumbai in 1959, he is the son of the legendary former CJI, Y.V. Chandrachud, who served for a remarkable 7 years.
Journey to the Supreme Court:
Chandrachud began his legal career as an advocate in the Bombay High Court, where he made his mark with his meticulous research, persuasive arguments, and commitment to constitutional principles. He was elevated to the Supreme Court as a judge in 2016.
Chief Justiceship:
Chandrachud was appointed as the 50th CJI on November 9, 2022. His chief justiceship has been marked by his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, constitutional interpretation, and the protection of individual rights.
Progressive Judgments:
Justice Chandrachud has authored several progressive judgments that have shaped Indian jurisprudence. Notably, he penned the lead judgment in the landmark right to privacy case in 2017, establishing it as a fundamental right. He also played a pivotal role in the decriminalization of same-sex relations under Section 377 in 2018.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What are some of Justice Chandrachud's key qualities as a judge? Answer: His sharp intellect, analytical prowess, and unflinching commitment to justice.
2. What is the significance of his lead judgment in the right to privacy case? Answer: It recognized privacy as an intrinsic aspect of personal liberty and set a precedent for the protection of digital rights.
3. How did Justice Chandrachud contribute to the decriminalization of same-sex relations? Answer: He was instrumental in drafting the dissenting judgment in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, which paved the way for the Supreme Court's historic ruling.
4. What is Justice Chandrachud known for outside the courtroom? Answer: His passion for classical music, writing, and his active engagement with legal academia.
5. What are the key challenges facing Justice Chandrachud as CJI? Answer: Maintaining the independence of the judiciary, tackling the pendency of cases, and upholding the rule of law in the face of societal challenges.
Conclusion:
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud is a respected and influential Chief Justice of India, whose vision for a progressive and just society is evident in his path-breaking judgments. His legacy is likely to have a profound impact on the future of Indian law and jurisprudence for generations to come.
After deciding to vacate the Budgam Assembly seat, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has officially announced that he will be representing the Ganderbal constituency. He expressed his gratitude towards the people of Budgam and promised to continue working for them over the next five years. This move marks the end of the six-year period when J&K didn't have an Assembly and the NC, with support from other parties, will continue to hold the majority in the 95-member Assembly.
After 26 days of fasting, activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters have finally ended their protest after receiving assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding talks on Ladakh's demands. The protest was organized by Wangchuk and others to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which aims to protect its cultural and environmental heritage. The Ministry has assured that the high-powered committee, which was holding talks with representatives from Ladakh, will resume discussions on December 3.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has expressed his confidence in becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka again before 2028. He highlighted his previous 14-month stint as CM, promising to use his experience to deliver good governance if he gets a full five-year term. Kumaraswamy also criticized the current Congress government, urging the people to give him a chance to implement his plans for the state's prosperity.
Supreme Court Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared his experiences working on the controversial Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute case, stating that it was a difficult case to adjudicate. He revealed that he even prayed to God to help find a solution. This statement was made during his address to a gathering in a village in Khed taluka. Soon after, the 5-judge bench, led by Justice Chandrachud, delivered the verdict in November 2019, allowing the construction of a Ram Temple on the disputed site. The judge also mentioned that regular prayers and faith can lead to finding a solution in challenging cases.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, accused US President Joe Biden of using nuclear arms talks as a ploy to gain electoral points for Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris. Lavrov also revealed that Moscow is against engaging in strategic stability talks without preconditions, as urged by the US, in order to prevent any unilateral military advantages. This comes ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections on November 5, in which Harris was selected as the Democratic nominee after Biden's withdrawal following a controversial televised debate with Republican nominee Donald Trump.
In a recent case at the Kerala High Court, an FIR against a university director accused of sexually harassing a female student during a youth festival was quashed. The court held that the physical contact that occurred was not sexual in nature, but rather part of a resistance effort to maintain discipline. The petitioner argued that the FIR was filed with malicious intent due to a delay in filing and strict event guidelines implemented by the university. The court cautioned the petitioner against any retaliatory measures that may hinder the complainant's studies.
Police sources have revealed that the Delhi Police is investigating a possible Khalistani link in the blast near a CRPF school in Rohini on Monday. This comes as a response to a group claiming responsibility for the explosion, as the police have sought details from messaging app Telegram. The blast caused damage to property but no injuries were reported, with an FIR mentioning the discovery of a "white powder" and CCTV footage of a suspect being recovered.
The 65th state-level Police Commemoration Day was observed in Chandigarh, where Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav paid homage to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation. Addressing the gathering, DGP Yadav highlighted the bravery and courage of the Punjab Police, and their efforts in maintaining peace and rooting out militancy. He also discussed the measures being taken to combat street crime and drug sales, and assured support to the families of martyrs.
The Supreme Court has put a hold on the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights' directive to discontinue funding for Madrasa Boards, following a plea filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind. The plea argued that the NCPCR's action was discriminatory and unconstitutional, and violated several fundamental rights. The Commission, which is responsible for protecting children's rights across India, had recommended that non-Muslim children enrolled in madrasas be moved to mainstream schools under the RTE Act of 2009.