In brief
Justice Chandrachud’s eight-year tenure in the Supreme Court has seen both groundbreaking advancements and criticisms regarding his assertiveness amid government pressures. He faces scrutiny over his actions and the legacy he leaves behind.
Justice Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud, who recently concluded his term as India’s 50th Chief Justice, has sparked discussions about his legacy as he embarks on retirement. In a reflective statement, Justice Chandrachud expressed concerns about how history will evaluate his work and whether he fulfilled his intended goals during his time in the judiciary.Justice Chandrachud's tenure of more than eight years, including two as Chief Justice, has found him at the helm of a Supreme Court that holds significant power over the judiciary in a nation of 1.4 billion people. Described as “India’s first celebrity judge,” he gained attention not only for his groundbreaking decisions but also for his high-profile public appearances. Recent coverage of his career reveals a mixed legacy. Analysts such as Arghya Sengupta highlight that he produced a remarkable 93 judgments—more than any of his four predecessors combined—while also pushing for innovations in the digitization and streaming of court proceedings. However, some critique his leadership for lacking assertiveness in the face of increasing governmental pressures, suggesting that he "fell short" of expectations during a critical era marked by accusations against the government of undermining democracy.Justice Chandrachud is known for his progressive rulings across issues of gender and LGBT rights, including landmark verdicts that decriminalized homosexuality and permitted entry for menstruating women at a Hindu shrine in Kerala. His appointment as Chief Justice came during a contentious time, as the government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party prepared for upcoming elections amidst accusations of targeting dissenters.Despite his noted achievements, the outgoing chief justice faced increasing criticism towards the end of his tenure. Senior lawyers have pointed out his hesitance to challenge state power, leading to perceptions that he failed to adequately protect individual liberties. Critics like Kamini Jaiswal voiced disappointment, emphasizing the hope that his leadership would restore integrity to the position.Controversy surged recently following a video of Justice Chandrachud praying with Prime Minister Modi, raising eyebrows about the perceived closeness of the judiciary and the ruling party. His subsequent comments about seeking divine guidance for resolution in sensitive legal matters reignited concern about judicial impartiality.While Justice Chandrachud maintained that he has left the judiciary in a better place than he found it, his farewell marked the conclusion of a complex chapter that has invited mixed perspectives on his legacy. As the debate around his influence continues, the impact of his leadership on Indian jurisprudence will be a topic of discussion for years to come.
