The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remark about praying to God for a solution to the Ayodhya dispute. He clarified that his faith does not affect his ability to deliver justice to people of different religions. During a recent event in his village, the CJI stated that seeking guidance from divine powers is not the job of judges and called out those who misinterpreted his statement. Chandrachud reiterated that every person has their own way of finding peace and his personal faith does not interfere with his duties as a judge.
Over the years, the Indian Supreme Court has faced criticism for its increasing compliance with the government's actions, leading to perceptions of it as an illiberal institution. As the Chief Justice, Chandrachud, who was once praised for his progressive and liberal values, has not lived up to the expectations of being assertive and independent. The court's handling of politically sensitive cases, such as Article 370, the Babri Masjid dispute, and bail, has tarnished Chandrachud's previous reputation and overshadowed his earlier standing as a liberal judge. Additionally, a shocking revelation from Justice Chandrachud himself has raised concerns about the court's impartiality in the controversial Ayodhya dispute.
Retired Bombay High Court judge Justice RC Chavan has criticised outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for prioritising public perception in his judgments. Speaking at a panel discussion to assess the CJI's tenure and judicial legacy, Justice Chavan stated that judges should not be swayed by extrajudicial concerns and voiced his disappointment in CJI Chandrachud for being preoccupied with how history will judge him. While Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran commended the CJI for his high standards in judgment writing, he also expressed disappointment in the Ayodhya Ram Temple case decision.
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.
During his felicitation ceremony, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud revealed that he sought divine intervention during the proceedings of the Ayodhya dispute case. He sat before the deity and asked for a solution to the complicated matter, which was eventually resolved by the Supreme Court in November 2019. The CJI also stressed the importance of taking responsibility for the effects of climate change, which affects not only affluent societies but also the most marginalized communities.
In light of the recent rape and murder case of a Kolkata doctor, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud noted that if conditions are not safe for women to go to work, it is a denial of their equality. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond just one case, and there needs to be a national protocol in place to ensure the safety of all doctors, especially women. The Supreme Court has proposed the formation of a national task force to establish guidelines for the protection of medical professionals and has urged protesting doctors to return to work.
In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of sub-categorization within Scheduled Castes for the purpose of granting quotas. CJI DY Chandrachud emphasized that the principle of equality guarantees factual and not formal equality, allowing for valid classification if there is an "intelligible differentia" and a "rational relation" to the law's objective. The verdict examines whether Article 14 (right to equality) is violated by sub-classification.
The sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls for 57 seats saw a high voter turnout across India, with West Bengal recording the highest at 70.19%, according to the Election Commission's data. The Commission, following the Supreme Court's ruling, released constituency-wise turnout data for the first five phases. With only 57 seats left for voting in the seventh and final phase, CJI DY Chandrachud exercised his right to vote and emphasized the importance of fulfilling our duties as citizens.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud inaugurated the Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre on the Supreme Court premises, highlighting his personal experience with Ayush during his battle with Covid-19. He also shared his belief in alternative holistic treatments and his commitment to a healthy lifestyle. CJI Chandrachud expressed his hope that the facility will spread the message of Ayurveda beyond India.
CJI DY Chandrachud, speaking at the inauguration of the Arbitration Center in Prayagraj, highlighted the culture of subordination between the district judiciary and the High Court in Uttar Pradesh, and how it affects the grant of effective justice for litigants, especially those seeking bail. He also stressed the importance of proper and efficient infrastructure in district courts for effective dispensation of justice. The Chief Justice of India shared his experience as an administrative judge and highlighted the need for equal and fair treatment in the justice system.