CJI Chandrachud retires: reflecting on his most impactful and landmark verdicts

As Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud steps down on November 10, his tenure leaves a remarkable legacy of legal reforms and progressive rulings. Known for his strong advocacy for civil rights, equality, and transparency, Justice Chandrachud's influence on the Indian judiciary will be felt for years to come. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Supreme Court’s senior-most judge, will succeed him.

Milestone rulings defining Justice Chandrachud's tenure

Justice Chandrachud’s decisions have set new benchmarks for personal liberties and gender equality. One of his most historic rulings came in 2017, when he upheld privacy as a constitutional right, recognizing its importance in a democratic society. This ruling established privacy as integral to personal dignity and autonomy.

In 2018, Chandrachud was part of a five-judge bench that struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), decriminalizing consensual same-sex relationships. His concurring opinion emphasized that sexual orientation is intrinsic to human dignity, making the verdict a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in India.

That same year, he helped abolish Section 497 of the IPC, which criminalized adultery only for men, ruling it unconstitutional and a violation of gender equality. His verdict underscored the need for personal liberty in relationships, removing patriarchal biases from the law.

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One of his high-profile rulings in 2021 involved ordering the demolition of Supertech’s twin towers in Noida. The buildings, which violated safety and construction regulations, were deemed unsafe. This landmark decision emphasized the judiciary’s role in enforcing public safety standards, integrity, and accountability.

In 2023, he delivered a judgment in favor of the Delhi government, resolving a longstanding power tussle with the Lieutenant Governor. He ruled that, except for issues related to land and law enforcement, Delhi’s elected representatives have administrative control over the region. This ruling strengthened the principles of democracy and the power of elected officials.

Justice Chandrachud also played a critical role in the Ayodhya land dispute ruling in 2019. Though the decision favored the construction of a temple, it was hailed as a landmark for maintaining legal harmony and attempting to resolve a decades-long religious dispute.

A vision of Judicial transformation and farewell address

Justice Chandrachud's tenure was marked by his dedication to judicial reform, including measures aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. He spearheaded initiatives to digitize court records, streamline case management, and enhance the accountability of judicial processes. His focus on modernizing the judiciary reflected his commitment to ensuring justice for all.

In his farewell speech, Justice Chandrachud expressed confidence in Justice Khanna’s leadership, highlighting his stability and capability in continuing the work to strengthen India's judicial system. Chandrachud’s judicial philosophy, rooted in equality and integrity, is expected to have a lasting impact on Indian law and society.

Justice Chandrachud’s legacy is not only reflected in his judgments but in his vision of a judiciary that embraces reform and inclusivity. His rulings and reforms have influenced many areas of Indian law and will likely continue to shape judicial standards for years to come.