All Those Who Trolled me Will be Unemployed: CJI Chandrachud in His Farewell Speech

New Delhi: On his last working day, outgoing Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud dressed criticism with grace, stating, "my shoulders are bro eugh to accept all criticism that we have faced" as he emphasized his commitment to transparency and belief that "sunlight is best disinfectant." Calling himself one of most trolled figures in judiciary, he lighartedly talked about his detractors, saying, "I'm just wondering what will happen from Monday, because all those who trolled me will be unemployed."

Justice Chandrachud, 50th CJI, assumed office on vember 9, 2022, following in footsteps of his far, Y V Chandrachud, who served as longest Chief Justice from 1978 to 1985. Reflecting on his reforms, he stated, "I just wanted to tell you that some of changes we have me were in pursuance of my strong belief that sunlight is best disinfectant." Ackwledging that openness invites scrutiny, he commented, "When you expose your own life to public kwledge, you expose yourself to criticism, particularly in today's of social media. But so be it."

In recent weeks, Justice Chandrachud faced backlash for inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his home for Ganesh puja and for expressing faith in divine intervention for Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. "I am probably one of most trolled individuals and judges across system…," he ted, ding in jest that his critics would soon be "unemployed."

During a farewell function organized by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), he expressed gratitude for his journey, saying, "we are here as pilgrims, birds for short pass of time, do our work and leave…." He ackwledged importance of leaving a lasting impact, recognizing that institution would continue to thrive beyond his tenure. "ne of us is that important to feel that Court will t survive without me," he said.

At SCBA event, he reflected on aging and dreams, stating, "when our memories outweigh our dreams, n it means we have grown old. I hope I continue dreaming about smaller things in life from w on." He dismissed tion of irreplaceability with, "after me, deluge," ding, "re is never a deluge."

Justice Chandrachud also highlighted his journey from childhood to he of judiciary, sharing memories and milestones, including serving as Chief Justice of Allahab High Court. Over his eight-year tenure, he set records by sitting in 38 Constitution benches, and he shared that around 1.07 lakh cases were disposed of in last two years, including 21,358 bail matters.

On his final day, he praised his colleagues, particularly CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna, and expressed confidence in Supreme Court’s resilience. "But I leave institution of Supreme Court in confidence and stefast confidence after having worked with Bror Sanjiv Khanna for such a long time that this court is in solid and stable hands."

Justice Chandrachud shared impressive statistics from his tenure: "Out of 1.11 lakh cases which were filed during this period, 1.07 lakh cases were disposed off," demonstrating public’s faith in apex court.

At farewell event, leers of bar and CJI-designate Khanna commended his transformative contributions, with SCBA president Kapil Sibal ting that Justice Chandrachud "allowed people to criticise judges" and transformed judiciary by vancing digital accessibility and transparency.