Chief Justice Chandrachud’s emotional last working day: Forgive me if I hurt anyone

Friday, November 8, was the final day of DY Chandrachud’s tenure as the Chief Justice of India. On his final working day, DY Chandrachud reflected on his judicial journey with gratitude and humility. Sharing personal reflections and appreciation, he addressed a courtroom filled with his colleagues and legal fraternity members, capturing the essence of his tenure. The outgoing Chief Justice also sought forgiveness from those who were unintentionally hurt by him.
“Last evening, when my registrar judicial asked me when should be the ceremonial, I was told 2 pm because we can wrap a lot of items. I thought to myself, will anybody be there in this court at 2 pm Friday afternoon,” he said with a smile. “Or will I look at myself on the screen?”
Justice Chandrachud took a moment to express his admiration for the tradition of the judiciary, noting that as a young lawyer, he observed the craft of arguments and learned valuable courtroom techniques. “We are here as pilgrims to work, and the work we do can make or break cases. There have been great judges who have adorned this court and passed on this baton,” he said.
“There is not going to be any difference when I leave this court because a person as stable as Justice Khanna will take over and is so dignified,” he added, showing his confidence in the future of the institution under his successor.
Reflecting on what sustained him through his journey, he said, “When you ask me what keeps you going, it is this, what kept me going. It is the journey of judgeship. I thank each one of you, and all of you taught me so much about law and life. I learnt so much about life today also in the 45 cases dealt by me.”
In a heartfelt moment, Chandrachud asked for forgiveness for any unintentional hurt. He said, “If I ever hurt any one of you, I would like to say forgive me for anything which I didn’t intend to or hurt you.”
On DY Chandrachud’s last day, senior members of the bar and bench paid heartfelt tributes to a judicial career that left a profound impact on India’s legal landscape. Joined by his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra on the ceremonia bench, Chandrachud was lauded not only for his legal acumen but for his humane approach to justice.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta captured the essence of Chandrachud’s balanced and impartial leadership, stating, “For government, we won few and we lost many, but we knew that we did not get an opportunity to convince the court and put our point forward.”
Calling him “the karta of the family,” Mehta summed up the dedication and fairness that defined Chandrachud’s tenure, remarking that his presence “will truly be missed.”
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal brought an emotional touch to the proceedings, saying, “You are an extraordinary son of an extraordinary father… The ever smiling Dr Chandrachud, your face shall be etched forever.”
Sibal acknowledged Chandrachud’s commitment to reaching out to marginalised communities, adding that his leadership “showed what dignity means.”
The recollections triggered laughter and a few tears as well.
DY Chndrachud was moved to tears when his brother judges – Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice PS Narasimha- recalled their memories of working with him.
“He happens to be a classmate of mine. Four of us had joined together” recalls Justice Roy.
“I had the opportunity to appear before him as a lawyer and got to sit with him as a judge. It was extraordinary!” says Justice Narasimha.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice-designate, admitted that his path forward would be both “easy and tough.” He explained, “Easy because of the revolutions ushered in, and tough because I cannot walk up to him; he will be sorely missed.”
Bringing in a touch of humour, Justice Khanna said, “His ever youthfulness is not known here only, but also abroad. In Australia there were so many who came to me and asked what is his age.”
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s tenure, which began on November 8, 2022, concluded on a note of humility and respect for the legal fraternity, an emotion that was reciprocated by those inside the courtroom.