Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud Reflects On Legacy In Address At Bhutan’s JSW Law School Convocation
Thimphu, Bhutan, October 2024 – In a reflective address at the convocation ceremony of JSW Law School in Bhutan, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud reflects on legacy, tenure and the future of the judiciary as he prepares to step down from office in November this year. CJI Chandrachud, who has served as the Chief Justice of India for two years, spoke candidly about the weight of his responsibilities and the introspective questions that have preoccupied his thoughts in the final months of his tenure.
Chief Justice Reflection on Legacy
“I will be leaving office as the Chief Justice of India in November this year, after having served my country for two years. As my tenure is coming to an end, my mind has been heavily preoccupied with fears about the future and the past,” Chandrachud said. “I find myself pondering over questions such as: Did I achieve everything I set out to do? How will history judge my tenure? Could I have done things differently? What legacy will I leave for future generations of judges and legal professionals?”
While reflecting on his time in office, the CJI emphasised his commitment to the role. He has noted that he had consistently worked to serve the country with dedication. “Over the last two years, I have woken up every morning with a commitment to give the job my fullest and gone to bed with the satisfaction that I served my country with utmost dedication. It is in this, that I seek solace,” he said.
Chandrachud acknowledged that many of the answers to his questions about legacy and impact are beyond his control. But, he took comfort in his dedication to the process rather than focusing solely on outcomes. “Once you have this sense of faith in your intentions and abilities, it is easier to not get obsessed with the outcomes. You begin to value the process and the journey towards these outcomes,” he added.
Insights Into Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck and Chief Justice Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin, among other dignitaries.
In his address, the Chief Justice also shared personal reflections. He had recalled his childhood ambition to make a difference in the world and his drive to push himself to extremes. However, he highlighted an important lesson learned over the years: the need for self-care and balance. “One’s ability to contribute to our community is deeply rooted in one’s self-perception and capacity for self-care,” Chandrachud said. “It is crucial to prioritise our well-being and find joy in the process.”
He urged the young graduates to strike a balance between passion and professionalism. This is to combine their youthful idealism with the expertise gained through their legal training. In a world increasingly influenced by globalisation, he also stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity. This was said to warn against the uncritical adoption of Western concepts of justice.
“Countries such as Bhutan and India often find themselves at crossroads with diverse influences, particularly from the West. However, nations located in unique historical, social, and cultural contexts must constantly challenge the assumption that these values and principles are universal or always contain the correct answer,” the Chief Justice said.
He emphasised the value of traditional community-based dispute resolution mechanisms in India. Additionally, Bhutan, which is often viewed as outdated but remain vital in certain communities. CJI Chandrachud hence argued for the integration of these mechanisms into modern governance structures. It has been noted that India’s Constitution already includes provisions for village panchayats and gram sabhas. Furthermore, it has been showcased how traditional practices can coexist with modern constitutional principles.
Conclusion
The convocation marked a significant moment for the graduates, with CJI Chandrachud leaving them with a powerful message. It mentioned: to remain grounded in their cultural roots while embracing the complexities of the modern legal landscape. As he looks back on his own career, his reflections had offered insight to not only his tenure. It had offered insights into the broader challenges faced by legal professionals in an evolving world.
