Trolls will now be unemployed, Chief Justice Chandrachud quips at farewell

At the farewell organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, DY Chandrachud shared personal anecdotes and reflections from his 24-year judicial career. He ended the speech on a humourous note, calling himself "one of the most trolled judges."

In Short

• Chief Justice DY Chandrachud bids farewell to Supreme Court
• Shares personal stories and challenges from 24-year career
• Reflects on criticism and trolling he faced during his tenure

At an emotional farewell on Friday, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud bid adieu to the Supreme Court, reflecting on his two-year tenure that combined judicial reform with an unwavering commitment to transparency and justice. In his candid speech, Chandrachud, who had often been trolled during his term, did not forget to leave behind a parting shot for those “who will be rendered unemployed” from Monday.

CJI Chandrachud shared personal stories, philosophies, and challenges that shaped his 24-year judicial career.

“My father bought a small flat in Pune and told me to keep it till my last day as a judge,” CJI Chandrachud began. “He said never allow integrity to be compromised because you don’t have a roof over your head.” Guided by this advice, he committed himself to a judicial career marked by integrity and independence.

Reflecting on his tenure, he candidly shared, “When you become a judge, the first thing you come to face is your fears. You learn your own limits and the importance of the Bar in educating you.”

At the farewell organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, DY Chandrachud shared personal anecdotes and reflections from his judicial journey.

He fondly remembered his days at the Allahabad High Court, where he would look at the album of judges each morning to memorise their names. “I learnt a great deal during my time as Chief at Allahabad,” he remarked with a smile.

Chief Justice Chandrachud acknowledged the limitations of judicial power.

“In the court, you realise that you can’t cure every injustice that comes to your plate every day as a judge,” he said. “Some injustices are within the realm of the rule of law; others are beyond what the rule of law can lead a judge to solve. The healing in Court lies in your ability to hear, not in the ability to grant relief.”

Under his leadership, Chief Justice Chandrachud introduced reforms that increased the judiciary's transparency.

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant,” he declared. “In so many ways, I have exposed my personal life to public knowledge, to public criticism in social media.”

Referring to the criticisms he faced, he added with humility, “But so be it. My shoulders are broad enough to accept all the criticism that we have faced. The Bar and my colleagues have supported me; nothing can happen without them. The Supreme Court is a Chief Justice-centric Court. I thought that had to change.”

He instituted a data-driven approach to make the judiciary more accessible and accountable, such as ensuring data on pending cases was available to the public.

“When I took over as CJI, 1,500 files were stashed in a Registrar’s cupboard. I said, this has to change. Every case that enters the system has to be numbered.” His approach helped reduce the backlog, with over 11,000 cases being cleared, and he noted that despite criticisms about pendency, the numbers reflect both registered and unregistered cases. “The number 82,000 pending cases does not tell you that it includes both registered and unregistered cases—the number has decreased in two years by over 11,000 cases.”

Acknowledging the challenges his team faced, CJI Chandrachud said, “We decided to put data of all pending cases in the public domain.” He commended his colleagues, adding, “I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to my Collegium for the way we have worked. We never had a difference of opinion. We never lost sight of the fact that we are not here with personal agendas; we are here to subserve the interest of the institution.”

Known for his wit, he offered a parting line that drew laughter from the audience: “I am probably one of the most trolled judges. On a lighter vein, I am wondering what will happen from Monday—all those who trolled me will be rendered unemployed!”

Finally, as he passed the torch to Chief Justice-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna, CJI Chandrachud expressed his confidence in his successor. “After having worked with brother Sanjiv for such a long time, I can say that this Court is in solid, stable, and erudite hands.”