How will history evaluate my tenure? This tension is troubling CJI Chandrachud before retirement.

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is retiring next month. Talking about his/her two-year tenure, he/she said that his/her mind was occupied with questions as to what legacy he/she would leave for the future generation of judges and legal experts. Speaking at the convocation of JSW Law School in Bhutan, the CJI said that as my tenure comes to an end, my mind is clouded with apprehensions and concerns about the future and the past.

Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said, “Have I achieved everything that I set out to do?” How will history judge my tenure? Could I have done things differently? What legacy will I leave for future generations of judges and legal professionals? CJI Chandrachud, who will assume charge on November 9, 2022, admitted that the answers to most of these questions are beyond his/her control and he/she may not know them all.

The CJI further said that although I know this, for the last two years, I have woken up every morning with the commitment that I will give this work my all. I sleep with the satisfaction that I have served my country with complete devotion. I find solace in this. CJI Chandrachud further said that nations like India and Bhutan often find themselves at a crossroads with diverse influences, especially from the West.

The Chief Justice of India said that, however, nations like ours, situated in unique historical, social and cultural contexts, must constantly challenge the assumption that these values ​​and principles are universal or always hold the right answers. he/she stressed that the traditional Western definition of ‘human rights’, which prioritizes the individual over the community, while well-intentioned, fails to take into account the diverse perspectives and cultural nuances that shape our understanding of justice.