Beyond Judgments: The Transformative Tenure of CJI D.Y. Chandrachud – A Common Man’s Reflection

?The 50th Chief Justice of India, Dhananjay Yeshwant Chandrachud, retires this month. It feels both fitting and necessary to pen a tribute that reflects not on the technical competency of his judgments—beyond my expertise as a non-legal professional—but on his significant contributions that have resonated with ordinary citizens, especially those in professions outside of law.

?My journey with the courts began in 2013 during my medical internship, spurred by a personal grievance with the then Medical Council of India's decision that affected my career. This experience introduced me to the complexities of the legal world and fuelled an interest in following legal news. It coincided with the rise of pioneering legal platforms such as Live Law and Bar & Bench, which became windows into the world of Indian jurisprudence.

?Since then, reading court judgments has become one of my most cherished hobbies. As an ordinary citizen with no formal training in law, this initial encounter set the stage for a decadal engagement with the judiciary.

?While detailed analyses of specific judgments related to healthcare, the domain I understand better, can be reserved for academic journals, this tribute aims to capture how his tenure has impacted the common man's understanding and engagement with the judicial system.

?One of the most transformative initiatives under CJI Chandrachud's leadership was the decision to live-stream Court proceedings. This step was a revelation for someone like me, a medical doctor. It granted an unfiltered view into the workings of the judiciary, allowing for direct observation of legal arguments, judicial reasoning, and the pronouncement of judgments. Witnessing debates on landmark issues like Ayodhya, Article 370, and electoral bonds taught me patience. It instilled the maturity to consider opposing viewpoints before forming opinions. This access has enriched my understanding of the law and illuminated the expectations that courts hold—a dimension often glossed over in classroom learning.

?Before this transparency, judgments were distant, cloaked in legal jargon that seemed as impenetrable as the complex medical terminologies I had grown accustomed to during my training. However, just as consistent exposure helped me master medical language, live streaming made it possible to demystify legal terms and processes gradually. By listening to arguments and counterarguments, often delivered by erudite lawyers, I developed a greater appreciation for judicial reasoning. This newfound clarity proved invaluable in my professional duties, particularly when navigating medico-legal challenges that demanded a nuanced understanding of court expectations. Through them, I learned to appreciate the subtle art of argumentation and the value of understanding differing perspectives.

Equally commendable was the initiative to provide judgments and rulings in local languages, breaking the language barrier for millions of Indians who previously struggled to engage with the legal system. As a native speaker of the Tamil language accustomed to wading through judgements filled with 'Greek and Latin,' it was refreshing to witness this effort to make the judiciary more inclusive.

I would also like to thank CJI Chandrachud for refining my understanding and thought process regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Like many laypersons from non-engineering backgrounds, I initially viewed AI as a panacea for systemic inefficiencies within various sectors, including healthcare. However, a comment made by CJI Chandrachud during his tenure profoundly influenced my perspective. He highlighted how AI while promising in performing routine, mundane tasks, must be approached with caution due to the inherent biases present in the training datasets developed by human beings. His insights, reported in the media, underscored the importance of viewing AI not just as a tool for efficiency but through the lens of safety and ethical considerations. This perspective sparked my curiosity and motivated me to dig deeper into understanding the working mechanisms, algorithms, and models behind AI. It taught me to balance optimism with caution. This lesson has profoundly shaped my approach to the potential and limitations of AI. For this, I thank CJI Chandrachud for influencing my views on broader intellectual pursuits.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has notably broadened access to the Supreme Court by eliminating the requirement for journalists to hold a law degree for accreditation. This progressive change allows individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to report on court proceedings, fostering a more inclusive and transparent judicial system. By opening the court doors to a wider array of voices using technology, CJI Chandrachud has taken a significant step toward demystifying the judiciary and making it more accessible to the general public.

Many noteworthy contributions have marked Chief Justice Chandrachud's tenure, yet no discussion of his legacy would be complete without mentioning the importance he placed on personal well-being. His commitment to physical fitness, which he maintained despite the pressures of holding the highest judicial office, is a lesson for many. It is a reminder that physical health and mental acuity go hand in hand, even for those burdened with the gravest responsibilities.

Despite my admiration for CJI Chandrachud's achievements, I must acknowledge that the Indian judiciary, like any complex institution, is not without its imperfections. There are colonial remnants still embedded in the system—practices such as addressing judges as "My Lord" or the contentious nature of contempt jurisdiction. While the British judiciary, from which we drew inspiration, has moved past such practices, change within the Indian context is a more gradual and multifaceted endeavour. It would be unrealistic to expect any single Chief Justice, or even a collective of them, to overhaul centuries-old legacies overnight.

To draw an analogy, if the Indian judiciary were a cricket team, it might resemble the Zimbabwean team of the early 2000s—an institution with potential constrained by systemic inefficiencies. In this scenario, CJI Chandrachud would be the Andy Flower or Henry Olanga—a rare, bright spot whose brilliance shines despite systemic challenges. While there is still a long way to go, significant strides have been made under his stewardship to modernize the judiciary and make it more transparent and accessible.

Chief Justice Chandrachud could not fully address certain significant issues: Not showing interest in opening the supreme court benches in regional headquarters despite a parliamentary panel recommending the same. This disinterest denies millions in the country access to justice.? Another issue is the question of judicial strength in the Supreme Court. For a nation of over 1.4 billion people, the current strength of 34 judges is grossly inadequate. To put it in perspective, this equates to one Supreme Court judge for every 41 million people—a ratio that underscores the pressing need for judicial reform and expansion. This stark reality points to a systemic challenge that continues to hinder the judiciary's ability to dispense timely justice and needs to be urgently addressed to better serve the country's needs.

As CJI D.Y. Chandrachud steps down, he leaves a legacy that has opened doors and widened perspectives for many, including myself. He will be remembered as a leader who endeavoured to make the judiciary more transparent, accessible, and relatable to the common man. While much work remains, his tenure will be seen as a crucial chapter in India's judicial evolution.

As I bid farewell to CJI D.Y. Chandrachud's tenure, I do so with a sense of gratitude. He will be remembered not just for his judgments but for opening the doors of the highest court to the common man, making the opaque a little more transparent, and setting a precedent that future Chief Justices can build upon.

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