Understanding Of People's Problems Makes Us Better Lawyers And Judges, Not Just Legal Knowledge : CJI DY Chandrachud

“There is a vast body of literature on how judges must decide and what goes into legal decision-making in general. While the knowledge of the law and the context of its enactment are important, it is ultimately the understanding of people's problems that makes us better lawyers and judges.”

The event, held on Wednesday (February 28), at the Supreme Court, honoured four newly elevated Supreme Court judges: Justices Satish Chandra Sharma, Augustine George Masih, Sandeep Mehta, and PB Varale.

During his address, Chief Justice Chandrachud explained the essence of judicial decision-making, saying that while legal knowledge and the context of laws are crucial, it is the understanding of people's struggles that truly distinguishes excellent lawyers and judges. Drawing an analogy, he likened judicial decision-making to riding a bicycle, where complex theories might not help restore balance when teetering out of control. In moments of crisis, a simple idea of justice, rooted in the judge's understanding of human life, can often provide the necessary stability, the chief justice said.

“I believe decision-making is somewhat like, to borrow the words of a distinguished scholar, riding a bicycle. If you are teetering out of control, it is unlikely that a complicated theory will help you restore the balance. In the moments of imbalance, we are unlikely to find solutions in very complicated, theoretical statements of the law or policy. The stabilising influence in such moments of crisis is often a very simple idea of justice. The strength of a simple idea lies in the fact that it comes from the vast experience of a judge as a lawyer, as a student of the law, and as a discerning, observing member of the society.”

About his new colleagues, Chief Justice Chandrachud said, “With their elevation, the Supreme Court is operating again at its maximum mandated strength. Even more importantly, it has the occasion of benefiting from the diversity of their experiences as lawyers, judges, and as students of the law.”

The felicitation event today commenced with Senior Advocate Sukumar Pattjoshi, the vice-president of the SCBA, delivering a warm welcome address. Attorney-General R Venkataramani also lauded the appointment of 15-16 judges during Chief Justice Chandrachud's tenure, remarking that the court is now not only full but full in more than one sense. SCBA President Adish C Aggarwala also expressed his appreciation, attributing the credit for discovering such talented judges to Chief Justice Chandrachud and the members of the collegium.

The newly appointed judges, in turn, shared their sentiments and stories about their journeys to the apex court. Justice Sharma expressed his joy at serving in the highest court of the land, calling it a dream come true. Justice Masih, a first-generation lawyer who forayed into the field of law without planning but found his calling, stressed that hard work and dedication can lead to recognition and advancement in the legal profession. Justice Mehta thanked senior judges for guiding him through the challenges of a new work environment, expressing gratitude for their support. Justice Varale, hailing from a Dalit family, reflected on his fortune in being part of a family blessed by Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose 'Midas touch' was why he could journey to the highest court of the land.

In a touching conclusion, CJI Chandrachud welcomed the new judges to the Supreme Court, emphasising their commitment to understanding human lives and improving them through the law. He said, “Legal power is not enough for a judge. The stronger tool is their desire to understand human life. The journeys of Justice Sharma, Masih, Mehta, and Varale demonstrate their commitment to human lives and improving it with the help of our laws.”

The chief justice concluded his speech with verses from a ghazal by the legendary Jagjit Singh –

“Tere aane ki jab khabar mehke

Teri khushboo se saara ghar mehke."

Wednesday's event culminated with the felicitation of the four newly elevated judges with mementos. SCBA Joint Secretary Meenesh Dubey delivered a short vote of thanks, signalling the end of the event.