Let’s talk without reading a single page… Chandrachud gave a response to Justice Nariman in gestures on the Ram Mandir decision.

New Delhi: Former CJI DY Chandrachud, who is facing criticism regarding the Ram Mandir decision, has given a befitting reply. Speaking at the Times Network India Economic Conclave event, Chandrachud said that many critics did not read the entire judgment of 1000+ pages. The former CJI further said that the decision was based on a thorough analysis of the evidence. he/she said it would be factually incorrect to claim that the decision was not based on evidence.

People speak without reading a page

Chandrachud said that many people talk about the judgment without reading a single page. The 1000-page judgment contains a detailed explanation of the evidence. he/she also considered the broader role of judges in the Indian judicial system. he/she described the Constitution as not only a political document but also a vision of social change. Throughout his/her career as a judge of the Allahabad High Court, the Supreme Court and as Chief Justice of India, he/she focused on the responsibility of judges in shaping the social fabric of India.

Whatever I did was a big challenge

DY Chandrachud further said that whatever I did as a judge was a big challenge. Be it as the Chief Justice of the largest state of India, Center of India, Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Judge of the Supreme Court and then finally the Chief Justice of India. In terms of taking decisions on the future development of the society, the challenge was no less in terms of creating the right infrastructure to reflect the growth of the Indian Judiciary keeping in mind the development of the nation.

Regarding the Ayodhya case, he/she was asked why the credit for the decision was not given to a specific judge? Chandrachud responded by saying that the judgment was signed by all five judges. We decided not to attribute it because the Ayodhya dispute, with its long history of conflict and bloodshed, threatened to tear apart the social fabric. he/she further said that by not assigning authorship, we gave a message that we, as a court, are united in our endeavor to bring peace and stability to our society.” The verdict was symbolic of a collective effort.

They have every right to express their opinion – CJI

Chandrachud also responded to Justice Nariman’s comments on the matter. Nariman had suggested that secularism was not given its due place. Chandrachud said that Justice Nariman is a free citizen of a free nation. he/she further said that as a judge, he/she was part of the collective judgment and was in no position to defend or criticize it. he/she said that Nariman’s critical approach supports the fact that the principles of secularism are alive in India because one of the important principles of secularism is freedom of conscience. This shows that there is freedom of expression in India. The former CJI clarified that Justice Nariman has every right to express his/her opinion.