“If I Have Ever Hurt Anyone in the Court, Please Forgive Me”: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Bids an Emotional Farewell

Friday was the last working day of Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. Justice DY Chandrachud will retire from the post of CJI on Sunday, November 10. Justice Sanjiv Khanna will replace him as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud left the court on Friday after speaking his last words. He said, "If I have ever hurt anyone in the court, please forgive me for that. Michhami Dukkadam, because I have never had such feelings in the court."

CJI Chandrachud used the phrase 'Michhami Dukkadam'. It means - "Whatever bad has been done should go in vain." This is an ancient Indian Prakrit language phrase.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is currently the most senior judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Khanna will be the 51st Chief Justice of India. Justice Khanna will take charge on Monday, November 11.

The Chief Justice told the members of the bar from the ceremonial bench organized for his farewell. "From tomorrow I will not be able to do justice like this, but I am very satisfied. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who is coming to take over this responsibility after me from Monday, has a lot of experience. He is capable and talented. "

CJI Chandrachud took charge on November 9, 2022. He retired from his post today after the end of his two-year term. Recalling a light-hearted moment with his Registrar Judicial the previous evening, he said, "I wondered if there would be anyone in this court at 2 pm on a Friday. Or I would see myself on the screen. When I was young I would watch how to argue and learn court craft. 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 added to its dignity. When I leave this court it is not going to make any difference because a stable and highly respected person like Justice Khanna will take over."

Lawyers described Justice Chandrachud as a rock star, charming and handsome judge. They praised his patience, discretion and calm personality.

CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna said, "I never got a chance to appear in Justice Chandrachud's court and say something. What he has done for the underprivileged youth and the needy is incomparable. Apart from this, he did many historic works like Mitti Cafe, Bar Room for women lawyers and beautification of the Supreme Court. Samosas are his favourite. We have tasted them in every meeting but he does not eat them in the meeting.''

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on the ceremonial bench said, ''Only we know how sad your farewell is. Both your sons will never know what they achieved and what we lost. The government won many cases and lost many, but we are satisfied that our words were heard with patience.''

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Kapil Sibal said, ''You are an extraordinary son of an extraordinary father. Dr Chandrachud, who always smiles, your face will always be remembered. Your conduct as a judge was exemplary. You reached out to the communities and showed what respect means to them. We are bound by the values of the Constitution.''