CJI Chandrachud Signs Off With An Emotional 'Thank You' Speech

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was given a ceremonial farewell in the Supreme Court of India as he retired from judicial service on Friday.

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. The CJI thanked the lawyers for their presence in the Ceremonial Bench.

Sharing some light moments, several lawyers, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, expressed their willingness to know the “secret of your youthfulness". Singhvi lauded the CJI’s patience and also jested about the “secret behind his youthfulness". “Everybody complains that you continue to look the youngest, and unfortunately, your youthful looks make us feel the oldest, so you must tell the secret behind it," he said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that it was the last time that he was addressing Justice Chandrachud and hailed his “complete impartiality" while imparting justice. “We have always felt pleasure appearing before you. Your unmatched scholarship, and complete impartiality in the dispensation of justice, we never felt hesitant. May I take the liberty of saying that DYC would really be missed," he said.

Senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal described the CJI as a man of “limitless patience. I have never seen a judge with the kind of limitless patience that you have. The ever-smiling Justice Chandrachud," Sibal said.