‘Actions, not just words,’ promises CJI Chandrachud
Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud was sworn-in on Wednesday as the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Droupadi Murmu, and he said that his priority will be to serve the common man whose trust on judiciary will be strengthened through action, not just words.
“It’s a great opportunity and a great responsibility. I will strive to keep up the faith of people in the judiciary through my action... not only with my words but with my work I will give confidence to people,” said CJI Chandrachud, as he spoke to reporters in the Supreme Court.
“To serve the common man is my priority (as the CJI). I am looking forward to taking care of all the concerns of the citizens, whether it be by bringing technology, or the reforms required in the registry of the Supreme Court or judicial reforms. We will work for the benefit of each citizen,” he added.
Justice Chandrachud, 62, was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2016, and will have a term of two years as the head of the judiciary. He will retire on November 10, 2024. The new CJI is the son of former CJI YV Chandrachud, and they are be the only father-son duo to serve as CJIs. Justice YV Chandrachud earned the distinction of being
the longest-serving CJI as he remained at the helm for over seven years between February 1978 and July 1985.
Arriving at court a little after 11am on Wednesday, CJI Chandrachud paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi by offering garlands at a statue inside the Supreme Court precincts.
Speaking to HT on October 11, justice Chandrachud said he continues to be in awe of the judicial position after six-and-ahalf years of his tenure as a judge of the Supreme Court. “It’s a humbling experience to get an opportunity to be a part of the Supreme Court and to head the judiciary,” he said at the time.
“Every judge in the country has an immense power to do good and with it comes a duty to serve society with compassion. Our institutions are vital to preserving the rule of law,” justice Chandrachud added then.
After obtaining two advanced degrees in law from Harvard University, justice Chandrachud went on to become one of India’s youngest lawyers to be designated senior advocate at the age of 39.
Immediately after that, in 1998, he was appointed additional solicitor general of India; and appointed as a judge in 2000 in the Bombay high court, where he served for 13 years.