‘Forgive Me If I Ever...’: CJI DY Chandrachud Delivers Final Speech, Bows Out Of Supreme Court Bench

DY Chandrachud delivered his final remarks while leading a Ceremonial Bench held for his retirement. The outgoing CJI will be now succeeded by CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Justice DY Chandrachud delivered farewell remarks on Friday, which was his last working day as the CJI.

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Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in his farewell remarks on Friday sought "forgiveness" in case he "ever hurt anyone". He also expressed gratitude as for his journey in the judicial system so far as he bowed out of the ceremonial bench. 

"I thank all of you and each one of you and there is no case similar to an earlier case. If I ever hurt anyone in the court, I would like you to just please forgive me. Thank you for coming in such large numbers," he said in his farewell speech.

The 50th head of the Indian judiciary also expressed that there was no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need and to serve the society.

"You asked me what keeps me going. It is this court which has kept me going, because there is not a single day when you feel that you have not learned something, that you have not had an opportunity to serve the society. And there is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need and the people you would never meet, people you possibly do not even know, people whose lives you have the ability to affect without ever having seen them," he added.

Chandrachud Heaps Praises On Successor Justice Sanjiv Khanna

The outgoing CJI will be now succeeded by CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna. Chandrachud delivered his final remarks while leading a Ceremonial Bench held for his retirement. He also stated that he had tried to hear "as many matters as I could" before the Ceremonial Bench was listed.

"When my court staff asked me yesterday as to what time the Ceremonial Bench shall be listed, I told I'll do as many matters as I can…I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to do justice till the last time possible," CJI Chandrachud said.

Chandrachud, who took over as the country's 50th Chief Justice in November two years ago, also spoke about his successor, Justice Khanna, calling him a person who is "so stable, solid, and dignified".

"So I am sure that my leaving from here is not going to make the slightest difference to the Court, particularly because I know that the person after me is so stable, so solid- Justice Khanna, a person so dignified, so aware of the court, the historical perspectives," the outgoing CJI remarked, expressing confidence in his successor.

On his last day, Chandrachud rceived an overwhelming response from the bar consisting of several senior advocates Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Attorney General R Venkataramani, SCBA President Kapil Sibal. Junior lawyers also lauded him for the contributions made by him on both judicial and administrative fronts.

Chandrachud also recalled his journey, which he said began as a young law student sitting in the last row of the court. He emphasised that each day he spent in the cour helped him to learn and grow in both legal knowledge and personally.

"I was always aware of the overpowering presence of the greats of this court and the responsibility that came with sitting in this chair. But at the end of the day, it is not about the individual, it is about the institution and the cause of justice we uphold here," the CJI said.

In an emotional conclusion, CJI Chandrachud thanked everyone who contributed to his journey -- senior advocates, officers, juniors, and staff -- acknowledging that they played a role in shaping his understanding of the life and law.

Justice Khanna wished him luck, saying, "He has made my task easy and tough. Easy because of the revolutions ushered in and tough because I cannot walk up to him. He will be sorely missed. His youthfulness is not known here only but also abroad."