CJI Chandrachud Takes Parting Shot At Trolls In Farewell Speech: 'They'll Be Unemployed From Monday'

Outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who demits office today, took a light-hearted jab at his many online critics, saying, "I am, probably, one of the most trolled judges... and, in a lighter vein, I'm wondering what will happen from Monday?! All those who trolled me will be unemployed!"

Throughout his tenure, the Chief Justice was often the target of trolling, with one recent incident involving criticism over his shifting in his seat to relieve back pain.

Photo Credit: PTI

He described the experience as "vicious abuse... trolling (and) the knives were out." Smiling, he added, "But my shoulders are broad enough..."

Chief Justice Chandrachud, who assumed office on November 9, 2022, bid farewell today as his two-year term came to an end. Reflecting on his time in office, he recalled delivering several landmark verdicts, including challenges to the government's revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the electoral bonds case.

Despite the high-profile and often tense nature of the role, he said it never affected his amicable relationships with fellow judges.

"We took difficult decisions many times, but there was never any difference of opinion between us (and) all meetings were held with laughter and happiness. The most important thing was - we were not there with personal agendas... We were there to serve the interests of the institution," he said.

He shared the story of a Dalit student whose father, a daily wage labourer, missed the deadline to pay the fees for his son's admission to the prestigious IIT in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The student's seat was declared forfeited, but after three months of seeking help from various authorities, the father approached the Supreme Court. A bench led by Justice Chandrachud quickly ordered the institute to admit the student. "All the best. Achha kariye (Do well)," the Chief Justice told the student from Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh.

Justice Chandrachud highlighted such instances to stress the importance of being open to new knowledge and perspectives. "The importance of the Bar is also known only then... every day we learn new knowledge and new methods," he said, recalling his time at the Allahabad High Court.

He also reflected on the influence of his disciplined father. "He bought a small flat in Pune. I asked him why... he said he knew he would stay there but told me, 'Keep that flat till you retire as a judge... so you know that if your moral integrity is to be compromised, you will always have a roof over your head.'"

Looking back on his career, he likened the role of judges to that of pilgrims, coming to court daily with a commitment to serve. "The work we do can make or break cases," he said. He paid tribute to the "great judges who have adorned this court and passed on the baton," expressing confidence in Justice Sanjiv Khanna, his successor, who he described as a capable leader.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, nominated as the 51st Chief Justice of India, will be sworn in on November 11. He praised Justice Chandrachud's legacy, saying, "I never had the chance to appear in Justice Chandrachud's court, but what he has done for the marginalised and the needy is beyond compare."