EP-240 | Ex-CJI DY Chandrachud on Ayodhya Verdict, Collegium System, Faith, Trolling & Politics

Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud served as the 50th Chief Justice of India from November 9, 2022, to November 10, 2024. During his tenure, he was a part of several landmark judgments, including the Ayodhya verdict, the decriminalization of Section 377, entry of women into the Sabarimala temple, the fundamental right to privacy, and the constitutionality of the Electoral Bonds Scheme, among others.

He is widely respected for making the judiciary more tech-savvy and accessible. Under his leadership, the court embraced technological advancements such as live broadcasting of hearings, digitalization of Supreme Court and High Court records, and AI for transcribing judicial proceedings.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the former Chief Justice shares his views on several key issues. He discusses the collegium system, the Ayodhya Ram Temple verdict, and the impact of online trolling on judges' mental well-being. He highlights the heavy scrutiny judges face in the age of social media, where every word and decision is closely examined.

Justice Chandrachud also addresses the opposition's claim that the judiciary is under pressure. He emphasizes that one does not need to be an atheist to deliver unbiased and fair judgments and speaks about practising faith while upholding the law.

The conversation also touches on his retirement, his choice to follow a vegan lifestyle, his family, and his thoughts on whether he might enter politics in the future.

00:00 - Coming Up

00:00 - Introduction

01:38 - Retirement Plans

04:16 - On Teaching Law

06:24 - Delhi Air Pollution

12:20 - Delhi Govt vs L-G Tussle

16:42 - On his legacy

18:35 - Why He Chose to Become a Judge

23:04 - Trolling of Judges

25:54 - SC Handbook on Gender Stereotypes

29:21 - Media Scrutiny

31:54 - Who Authored the Ayodhya Verdict

36:33 - Liberal vs Conservative Judge Labels

38:17 - When the Ex-CJI Prayed for a Solution

44:17 - Sambhal Mosque Row

45:51 - Ganpati Puja with PM Modi

48:37 - Is the Indian Judiciary Under Pressure?

56:20 - Article 370 Judgment

57:24 - Overturning His Father’s Judgment

58:37 - Why He Got into the Legal Profession

01:02:24 - Nepotism in the Indian Judicial System

01:06:04 - The Collegium System

01:09:21 - Pendency of Court Cases in India

01:18:10 - Advocates’ Affordability

01:27:24 - Decriminalization of Homosexuality

01:32:24 - Roe v. Wade Judgment

01:34:16 - Disability-Friendly Courts

01:39:00 - Choosing a Vegan Lifestyle

01:44:40 - Judges Entering Politics

01:49:58 - Supreme Court Prison Report

01:53:34 - Privacy Issues for Judges in the Digital Era

01:56:13 - Live Telecast of Hearings

02:04:30 - Caste Element in Judgments

02:08:04 - International Disputes

02:12:19 - How DY Chandrachud Relaxes

02:17:57 - Hindi vs English- language used in courts

02:23:09 - Interaction with PM, CM, and President