New Delhi [India], November 8 : The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Kapil Sibal, praised Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for tackling complex issues during his tenure, including Article 370, same-sex marriage, and electoral bonds, during the CJI's farewell function on Friday.
Sibal spoke at the farewell event for CJI Chandrachud, who will step down on Sunday, November 10. Justice Chandrachud will be succeeded by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court, who will assume office on Monday, November 11.
In his farewell speech, Sibal remarked, "CJI Chandrachud was willing to address complex issues that previous chief justices had avoided for years, such as Article 370, same-sex marriage, and electoral bonds.
"You, CJI Chandrachud, have shown a readiness to engage with these issues within their complexities and with remarkable clarity. We thank you for all you have done. While we may not always agree with your decisions, we salute your commitment to tackling these challenging matters."
Justice Chandrachud's tenure was marked by substantial contributions to the broader legal landscape, significantly shaping the future direction of the justice delivery system. He noted that his judgments extend the legacy of his father, who held the longest tenure as Chief Justice of India.
"We can critique any judge, as perfection in life is unattainable, and truth is always relative. Judges should be assessed within the context of the times they serve."
Sibal further noted that Justice Chandrachud's legacy will be remembered for his judgments, demeanour, simplicity, and patience, describing him as "one of the greatest judges of this country."
On Thursday, Justice Chandrachud inaugurated the National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA) at the Supreme Court in New Delhi.
Several Supreme Court judges attended the inauguration. Speaking at the event, Justice Chandrachud emphasised the role of judicial institutions in delivering justice and safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights.
"This project has been a year and a half in the making, from conceptualisation to planning, with six months of actual execution. It's been completed in record time. We wanted not just a museum of artefacts but one that could stand alongside the best internationally, showcasing the significance of our institution and the role of high courts in delivering justice and upholding fundamental rights," said Justice Chandrachud.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the designers, who previously worked on the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and Teen Murti Bhawan.