New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud spoke at length on key judicial issues, addressing criticism over landmark judgments, meetings with the Prime Minister, and high-profile bail cases in an interview with The Lallantop.
On the 2019 Ayodhya verdict, Chandrachud defended the Supreme Court bench against claims that the decision was rushed or authorless. He emphasized that mediation was conducted with notable figures, but no settlement acceptable to all parties was reached. He said the verdict was delivered in unison to reflect the gravity of a century-old dispute.
Chandrachud addressed questions about photographs showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending Ganesh Utsav at his residence. He clarified that such meetings were official and part of routine constitutional interactions, and did not affect judicial independence.
Regarding the prolonged custody of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, Chandrachud explained that bail pleas were withdrawn by the accused’s lawyers and rejected claims of selective case allocations. He highlighted Supreme Court conventions on case assignment, noting that reassignment often occurs due to retirements or health reasons.
He also spoke on social backlash over the Sabarimala verdict allowing women of menstruating age to enter the temple, stating that judges rule according to law, not faith. Chandrachud criticized the release of a controversial video on the Supreme Court website, noting the public may assume authenticity without verification.
Chandrachud stressed the importance of protecting institutional integrity. He warned that allowing external pressures to influence judicial processes threatens the rule of law, personal liberties, and the broader functioning of the justice system.
