CJI bids farewell, legacy of judicial reform endures

"Mukhalif se meri shaksiyat sanwarti hai, mein dushmanon ka bada ehtiram karta hoon" ("Opposition makes me a better person; I hold my adversaries in great respect"), Justice D.Y. Chandrachud reflected, addressing both critics and colleagues in a farewell that marked the end of his groundbreaking tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India.

Renowned for his intellectual acumen and compassion, Chandrachud left his position on Friday, closing a significant chapter in the nation's judiciary.

In a poignant ceremonial bench session, seated beside CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, Chandrachud sought 'forgiveness' in case he had hurt anyone. "It is this court that keeps me going..." We meet people we possibly don't know. I thank all of you, each one of you, and there is no case similar to an earlier one. If I have ever hurt anyone in the court, I would like you to please forgive me. Thank you for coming in such large numbers," he said in his farewell speech.