New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud retired from the Supreme Court on Friday. In his farewell speech on his last working day, he said that if I have hurt anyone, please forgive me. It is the court that keeps me going. We meet people we probably don’t even know. I thank you all. If I have ever offended anyone in the court, I would like you to please forgive me. Thanks for coming in such large numbers.
Said this about the ceremonial bench
DY Chandrachud, on the occasion of retirement, also revealed that he wanted to hear ‘as many cases as possible’ before being listed for the ceremonial bench. When my court staff asked me yesterday what time the ceremonial bench would be listed, I said I would do as many cases as I can. I would not like to miss the opportunity to do justice till the last moment.
overwhelmed by everyone’s presence
The Chief Justice said that last night I was thinking that the court would be vacated at 2 pm and I was seeing myself on the screen. I am overwhelmed by the presence of all of you. I feel humbled by the presence of so many people in the court.
DY Chandrachud is satisfied with his work
On the last day of his tenure as Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud accepted the reality that he would no longer serve as the country’s top judge. He said that I will not be able to give justice from tomorrow, but I am satisfied. Chandrachud described the role of judges as akin to pilgrims who come to the court every day with a commitment to serve. He said that the work we do can make or break matters. He said he felt reassured by handing over the bench to the capable hands of Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Sanjeev Khanna will be the next Chief Justice of the country.
DY Chandrachud narrated his father’s story
In his farewell speech, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that my father had bought a small flat in Pune. I asked him, why are you buying a flat in Pune? When will we go and stay there? He said that I know I will never live there. He said, I am not sure how long I will stay with you. But do one thing, maintain it till the last day of your tenure as a judge. We asked why so? He said, if you feel that your moral integrity or your intellectual integrity is ever compromised. I want you to know that you have a roof over your head. Never allow yourself to be compromised as a lawyer or judge because you have no position of your own.
Addressing the farewell ceremony, Chandrachud said, “Thank you very much for such a great honour…I would like to thank the Supreme Court Bar Association from the bottom of my heart for organizing this event…When I was growing up… When I was there, mother told me that I have named you Dhananjay, but the ‘wealth’ in your ‘Dhananjay’ is not material wealth.
Became CJI two years ago
Let us tell you that DY Chandrachud had taken over the post of the 50th Chief Justice of the country two years ago in November. He was appointed a Supreme Court judge in May 2016. The CJI also disposed of several petitions before retiring today.