CJI DY Chandrachud Says He Has Never Faced Political Pressure As A Judge

The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, dispelled notions of political interference in the judiciary during his tenure as a judge. In a candid dialogue at the Oxford Union, he said he had never faced political pressure in his 24 years as a judge.

He emphasised the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional values without encroaching on the domains of the executive or legislature. "When judges are interpreting the Constitution, they are not being activists. It is their duty," he said, according to Live Law.

Responding to questions about maintaining balance amid social media scrutiny and navigating politically sensitive cases, Chandrachud acknowledged the impact of modern media but underscored its role in promoting transparency. "Social media is a reality," he acknowledged, noting its pervasive influence on modern courtroom proceedings, where live-tweeting is commonplace. While criticism from social platforms can be challenging, judges remain receptive to fair critique, which is essential for improving judicial processes, he said.

Discussing the judiciary's broader societal role, the Chief Justice reflected on leveraging technology to enhance public understanding of judicial proceedings. "Technology allows us to reach out to people and explain to them the seriousness with which we attend to the problems of the common people," he said, highlighting the judiciary's efforts to engage with citizens proactively.

Speaking on judicial independence amid evolving social dynamics, Chandrachud expressed confidence in the judiciary's resilience. "Notwithstanding the flip sides of technology and sometimes unwarranted criticism, the power of good prevails," he said, while advocating for a balanced approach to uphold justice in a rapidly changing world.