After a two-year stint as the Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice Chandrachud leaves behind a mixed legacy in the face of daunting challenges. Overcoming obstacles posed by the ruling government's majoritarian ideology, he made notable strides in protecting constitutional values, especially in cases regarding women's rights, adultery, and same-sex relations. However, his tenure has also been marred by failures in mitigating a growing mistrust in the judiciary and addressing the imbalance of power between the executive and independent institutions. With an unparalleled erudition in law and a deep understanding of history and society, Chandrachud's judgments were marked by a unique style, making them a delightful read.
In a major development, the Supreme Court has deferred the hearing of pleas seeking to criminalize marital rape due to the impending retirement of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The bench, led by the Chief Justice himself, began hearing the matter but will not be able to complete it before his retirement on November 10, 2024. The matter will now have to be heard by another bench, causing further delay for the petitioners and sparking regret among those involved. The matter has been postponed due to the need for additional time and coordination from all parties involved in the case.
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.
In a communication to the Union government, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chandrachud formally proposed Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor. Upon approval by the government, Justice Khanna will become the 51st Chief Justice of India, serving a six-month tenure before his retirement in 2025. This follows the convention where the retiring CJI nominates the second-most senior judge as their successor, which is then approved by the government.
The Supreme Court of India has called on the Delhi Police for assistance after an impersonator used CJI D.Y. Chandrachud's identity to solicit money on social media. The complaint was filed on Tuesday and came to light over the weekend, prompting the Court's security department to take swift action under CJI Chandrachud's directives. This incident follows a similar case from earlier this year, where a man was arrested for impersonating a Delhi Police crime branch inspector and defrauding individuals of ₹4 lakh.
Get ready for an eventful second half of the year as the Supreme Court is set to reopen on July 8 after its summer break. From the long-awaited verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act to the crucial issue of granting minority status to Aligarh Muslim University, the court has a busy schedule ahead. Stay updated with the latest developments and decisions.
The Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions related to the NEET-UG 2024 entrance exam on Monday, including those alleging paper leakage and malpractices. The CBI has already begun its investigation into the matter and arrests have been made. A high-level committee has also been set up by the government to suggest measures for conducting fair exams. The counselling for NEET UG, scheduled to begin on July 6, has been postponed until the end of the month, awaiting the outcome of the hearing.
Chief Justice of India, Justice D Y Chandrachud, advocates for expanding access to legal education in rural areas at an event in Prayagraj. He highlights how the current system favors urban students and perpetuates inequalities, and stresses on the role of technology in democratizing educational opportunities. He also addresses the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are not proficient in English, and emphasizes the need for equal opportunities in pursuing careers in law.