Poly Centric Nature Of Supreme Court One of Its Biggest Strengths: CJI Chandrachud

Speaking at the farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in honour of retiring judges of the Supreme Court Justice K M Joseph, Justice Ajay Rastogi & Justice V Ramasubramanian, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that the poly centric nature of the Supreme Court was one of its biggest strengths. “This is a sign of strength because it reflects our diversity. Today we celebrate three colleagues coming from different parts of the country who brought their own experiences, learnings and spirituality.”

On a lighter note CJI Chandrachud also said that “When during the lockdown we penned the order of exclusion of limitation, we forgot one thing, the exclusion of time in the tenure of our colleagues in the Supreme Court. Perhaps we forgot to use our Article 142 power there, which we should have.”

Speaking fondly of Justice KM Joseph as his friend of over 51 years, the CJI said “We were friends who knocked on each others' doors to play football.”

CJI Chandrachud described Justice Joseph as an eloquent and persuasive lawyer and an erudite judge. “He is humble despite his decades long familiarity with the law. Humble to the point of being self effacing. He takes his work very seriously, but not himself very seriously, which is the hallmark of a great judge” the CJI said.

CJI Chandrachud recalled sharing the bench with Justice Joseph virtually during covid. He spoke about how he very rarely had to call Justice Joseph as they would already know each other’s views on the subject “I often did not even have to use the intercom to discuss the matter with him because we would know the other persons' view on the matter. The reduced telephone bill during this time, is a testament to our friendship that has lasted half a century.”

CJI Chandrachud also lauded Justice Rastogi for his career of public service and his commitment to the pursuit of justice. “Justice Rastogi understands that in labour and service matters the Supreme Court is dealing with real people and their livelihoods.” Citing several judgements of Justice Rastogi in this regard the CJI said, “while as Supreme Court judges we decide abstract principles of law, these judgements which touch the lives of common citizens are a constant reminder that the lives of Supreme Court judges are inextricably linked with the life of citizens.”

Speaking on Justice Ramasubramanian’s career as a judge and also an author CJI said, “Given the prolific writer that he is, no one would've guessed that he was exposed to English literature only in his late teens. Irrespective of our backgrounds, Justice Ramasubramanian is a living example that your dreams are for you to pursue.”.

CJI Chandrachud said that in the initial years of his career in litigation, Justice Ramasubramanian struggled financially “his mother would give him 2 rupees 50 paise everyday for travel and food. His life and struggles are a testament that there is no substitute for hardwork and perseverance.”

CJI Chandrachud also praised Justice Ramasubramanian for making young lawyers feel at ease in his court “famous for his wit and word play. He uses his sense of humour to motivate young lawyers and ease up the tense atmosphere of a courtroom.”, the CJI said.

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