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‘When a Towering Tree Steps Back’: CJI-Designate Sanjiv Khanna’s Emotional Farewell to CJI DY Chandrachud

November 9, 2024, 6:41 am

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice of India-designate, delivered a heartfelt tribute to outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on Friday, celebrating his “monumental” impact on the Supreme Court. During the farewell event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Justice Khanna remarked on the significant void Chandrachud’s departure would leave.

Praising CJI Chandrachud’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, Justice Khanna said, “When a towering tree in the forest of justice steps back, the birds pause their songs, and the wind moves differently. Other trees shift and adjust to fill the void. But the forest will never be quite the same again.”

Justice Khanna highlighted CJI Chandrachud’s legacy, noting his calm demeanor and landmark rulings, including an impressive 38 constitutional bench judgments. He also emphasized Chandrachud’s dedication to modernizing the court, from expanding facilities to implementing technology-driven reforms like live streaming, hybrid hearings, AI translation, and e-filing—all of which have made the court more accessible to litigants and lawyers.

Additionally, Justice Khanna admired Chandrachud’s commitment to inclusivity, mentioning initiatives like the Mitti Cafe—a space in the court run entirely by differently-abled individuals—and his broader efforts to create a welcoming environment within the court.

Borrowing a line from Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Justice Khanna concluded, “Chief, you truly did it your way.”

CJI DY Chandrachud Bids Farewell: ‘Nothing Greater Than Serving Those In Need

November 8, 2024, 6:52 pm

Indian Chief Justice DY Chandrachud delivered an emotional farewell speech on his last working day reflecting upon the very influential tenure he has had with the Supreme Court. The CJI, who retires on November 10, thanked the country from the heart and said serving the nation will never feel better than today, “There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need.” A special fourjudge ceremonial bench was constituted, comprising CJI-designate Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, to felicitate him.

Showing signs of choked emotion, it was on his last day of service that CJI Chandrachud shared the motivation that had been his fuel for when he spoke of how the court itself had been a continued source of learning and purpose. “You asked me what keeps me going,” he began, “It is this court which has kept me going because there is not a single day when you feel that you have not learned something, that you have not had an opportunity to serve society.” He added, “And there is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need and the people you would never meet, people you possibly do not even know, people whose lives you have the ability to affect without ever having seen them.”

Being as respected as his father, former CJI YV Chandrachud, who had practised in this country from 1978 to 1985, DY Chandrachud, who took over the office on 9 November 2022, has significantly contributed to India’s judicial landscape. Justice Khanna greeted with tributes the Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Kapil Sibal. Sibal eulogized the commitment of CJI Chandrachud towards inclusivity, “the extraordinary son of an extraordinary father”. “In my life, I have never seen a judge with the kind of limitless patience that you have, the ever-smiling Dr Chandrachud,” he said. Saluting his approach to justice, Sibal said, “You reached out to communities in this country, who were never heard before. You brought them before you and showed what dignity meant for them.”

Justice Khanna also showered appreciation for his outgoing colleague saying, “He has made my task easy and tough. Easy because of the revolutions ushered in and tough because I cannot walk up to him.” Former Attorney General KK Venugopal added a personal note, recalling that he had once advised Justice Chandrachud’s father against urging him to become a judge, though he later appreciated the impact of Chandrachud’s judicial career.

A Harvard Law graduate, he takes degrees from St. Stephen’s College and Delhi University. During his tenure as CJI, he has given certain landmark judgments; one of them is abrogation of certain parts of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and, pertaining to the law, upholding the Special Marriage Act framework but not expanding it to same-sex marriages and seeking parliamentary discussion over the matter instead. He was a vociferous advocate for the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community. He believed they too needed dignity and protection from discrimination. Once again, in another landmark judgment, he led the court to quash the electoral bonds scheme, ushering in sharper transparency into political funding as he put a stop to further issuance of electoral bonds by the State Bank of India.

Also Read: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Emphasizes Judiciary’s Commitment Amidst Heavy Workload

CJI Chandrachud said at the end that it was his honor to serve both the institution and the cause of justice. “I always knew of the prevalent presence of this court’s greats and the weight of responsibility that comes with sitting in this chair. At the end of the day, though, it is not about the individual; it is about the institution and the cause of justice we uphold here,” he told the court. He thanked all who had contributed to the journey and apologized for all unintentional mistakes, saying, “If I have ever hurt anyone, I seek your forgiveness.”

This is a career with judicial achievements and true affection for the cause of public service and values like equality and integrity. And his legacy marks an epitome of commitment to a just and inclusive India-testimony to this by not just colleagues but the judiciary in its entirety.

CJI DY Chandrachud Goes All Nostalgic On His AIR Days | Watch

October 26, 2024, 6:10 pm

In a recent interview with All India Radio (AIR), Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud fondly reminisced about his youth and his deep-rooted connection to AIR’s iconic voices. He shared how his bond with the broadcaster began in his early years as he listened to news bulletins in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit with his parents, fostering a lifelong admiration for AIR’s distinguished presenters.

Chandrachud recalled the influence of his mother, a classical musician, who often brought him to the AIR studios in Mumbai during his primary school years. These visits nurtured his interest in broadcasting, and after moving to Delhi in 1975, he auditioned for Akashvani. Reflecting on his start, he noted, “When I came to Delhi in 1975, I was told that I could audition for Akashvani. I started doing programmes in both Hindi and English. I can still vividly remember my first programme.”

Watch the clip here:

#CJIonAkashvani – Exclusive Interview

Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, nostalgically recalls his treasured days as a presenter at #AllIndiaRadio. He fondly remembers how he would often be engrossed in listening to Hindi, English, and Sanskrit bulletins, a… pic.twitter.com/DVBmKWZYmG

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 24, 2024

Cherished voices from AIR’s presenters also left a lasting impact on his childhood. Chandrachud particularly remembered Devaki Nandan Pandey’s iconic introduction: “Yeh Akashvani hai; ab aap samachar suniye Devaki Nandan Pandey se.” This familiar voice deeply resonated with him, as did the “refined voices” of other celebrated presenters, like Pamela Singh and Lotika Ratnam. Ratnam’s memorable greeting, “This is All India Radio; the news is read by Lotika Ratnam,” remains vivid in his memory.

His role at AIR eventually expanded to include hosting western music segments, which allowed him to connect with a diverse audience. “I also did western music for All India Radio in those days,” he shared, highlighting his enduring connection with both AIR and its listeners.

Congress Leader Udit Raj Criticizes CJI DY Chandrachud Over Ayodhya Remark

October 21, 2024, 2:40 pm

Congress leader Udit Raj took a swipe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud after the latter revealed that he had prayed to God for a solution to the Ayodhya issue. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Raj suggested that if CJI Chandrachud had prayed for other issues, the common man might receive justice without having to spend money.

“Chief Justice Chandrachud ji said that he had prayed to God for a solution to the Ayodhya issue. If he had prayed for some other issues, they would have also been resolved, like a common man getting justice from the High Court and Supreme Court without money. Misuse of ED, CBI, and IT would have stopped,” Udit Raj wrote.

CJI Chandrachud’s Remarks on Ayodhya Case

CJI Chandrachud, while addressing a gathering in his native village Kanhersar in Maharashtra’s Khed taluka, reflected on his involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. He shared that he had prayed to God for a resolution, saying, “If you have faith, God will always find a way.”

CJI Chandrachud was part of the five-judge Supreme Court bench that, in 2019, resolved the decades-old Ayodhya dispute by ruling in favor of constructing the Ram temple at the disputed site and allocating a five-acre plot for a mosque elsewhere in the city. The Ram temple was inaugurated in January 2024.

Udit Raj’s comments reflect growing criticism over the handling of judicial matters, particularly issues affecting the common man and the alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

CJI DY Chandrachud Recommends Justice Sanjiv Khanna as His Successor: A Closer Look

October 17, 2024, 10:23 am

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has officially nominated Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Supreme Court’s second-most senior judge, as his successor. This announcement was made in a letter addressed to the Union law ministry, following the traditional practice where the retiring Chief Justice recommends the next in line, subject to the Union government’s approval. DY Chandrachud, who became Chief Justice on November 9, 2022, will conclude his term on November 10, as Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65.

Reflections on Tenure

During an event in Bhutan on October 9, Chandrachud shared his thoughts about his upcoming retirement, expressing concerns about his legacy and the impact of his tenure. He revealed, “Pardon me for being a little vulnerable. I will be demitting office as the Chief Justice of India in November this year, after having served my country for two years. As my tenure is coming to an end, my mind has been heavily preoccupied with fears and anxieties about the future and the past. I find myself pondering over questions such as: Did I achieve everything I set out to do? How will history judge my tenure? Could I have done things differently? What legacy will I leave for future generations of judges and legal professionals?”

Despite his worries, he found comfort in knowing that he consistently put forth his best efforts during his time in office.

Profile of Justice Sanjiv Khanna

Justice Sanjiv Khanna began his legal career by enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. He initially practiced at the district courts in the Tis Hazari complex, later moving to the Delhi High Court and various tribunals. Over the years, he held significant roles, including Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department and Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi starting in 2004. He also served as an Additional Public Prosecutor and an amicus curiae in criminal cases at the Delhi High Court.

In 2005, Justice Khanna was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court, later becoming a permanent judge in 2006. He has also held key positions such as Chairman/Judge-in-charge of the Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.

On January 18, 2019, he was elevated to the Supreme Court, making history by doing so before having served as Chief Justice of any High Court. Currently, he is the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority and a member of the Governing Council of the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal.

Notable Contributions

Justice Khanna has been involved in significant legal decisions. In a case concerning a journalist’s remarks during a TV show, he stated that “Article 19(1)(a) cannot be used for defeating the fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.” He was also part of the bench that cleared the controversial Central Vista Project and took part in Constitutional benches that upheld the abrogation of Article 370 and struck down the electoral bonds scheme.

Scammer Poses As CJI DY Chandrachud, Seeks ₹500 In Viral Cab Fare Scam

August 27, 2024, 10:50 pm

In a bizarre turn of events, a scammer impersonated the Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, in an attempt to con an unsuspecting individual out of ₹500. The scam has caught the public’s attention after screenshots of the interaction went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and disbelief.

The Viral Scam Message

Supreme Court of India on instructions of CJI DY Chandrachud registers a cyber crime complaint in the case where a scammer impersonated CJI Chandrachud, and asked for ₹500 for a cab #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/ZsG89bM4bj

— Debayan Roy (@DebayonRoy) August 27, 2024

The scammer, pretending to be CJI Chandrachud, sent a message to an individual, claiming to be stuck in Connaught Place and urgently needing ₹500 for a cab fare. The message read, “Hello, I am CJI, and we have an urgent meeting at the collegium. I am stuck at Connaught Place. Can you send me 500rs for a cab? I will return the money once I reach the court.”

Adding a touch of supposed authenticity, the scammer signed off with, “Sent from iPad,” further attempting to make the request seem genuine.

Supreme Court’s Response

Upon learning about the incident, the Supreme Court of India quickly responded. On August 27, under the instructions of CJI Chandrachud, a formal complaint was lodged with the cyber crime cell to investigate the matter.

Public Reactions

Social media users were quick to mock the scammer’s audacity. One person quipped, “Sent from iPad – genuine cause,” while another wrote, “Haha. CJI asking for Rs 500.” Others were less amused, with one user commenting, “Whoever this is, is going to jail.”

Growing Cybercrime Concerns in India

This incident is just one of many in the growing landscape of cybercrime in India. According to I4C, an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), there has been a significant rise in cybercrime activities, many of which originate from Southeast Asia. These scams range from investment and stock market frauds to fake job offers and digital extortion.

Rajesh Kumar, a 2002-batch IPS officer and CEO of I4C, noted that cybercrime operations often lure Indian youths with fake employment opportunities, trapping them in various scams. These activities are highly organized, involving sophisticated financial transactions, including cryptocurrency and international fund transfers.

The Need for Vigilance

As cybercrime continues to evolve, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant in the digital age. The Supreme Court’s swift action in filing a complaint highlights the seriousness with which such matters are treated, but it also underscores the need for individuals to be cautious and skeptical of unexpected requests for money, no matter how convincing they may seem.

SC Rejects Petitions Seeking SIT Probe In Electoral Bonds Case

August 2, 2024, 3:23 pm

In a significant development, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged quid pro quo arrangements between corporates and political parties through Electoral Bonds donations.

The Court indicated that ordering an investigation monitored by a retired judge would be “premature” and “inappropriate” since the remedies available under the ordinary criminal law procedure had not been pursued.

Addressing individual grievances—claims of quid pro quo deals between political parties and corporate entities—the Court emphasized that these “will have to be pursued on basis of remedies available under the law,” including the possibility of action if authorities decline to investigate specific claims.

Supreme Court’s Remarks:

The Court noted that absent recourse to available legal remedies, it would be premature and inappropriate for the Court to interfere. Intervention must proceed after the failure of those remedies, and at this stage, the Court could not determine if these normal remedies would be ineffective.

The Court further observed that reliefs like reopening tax assessments fall under specific statutory jurisdictions conferred upon authorities under the Income Tax Act and other laws. Issuing such directions at this stage would amount to a conclusion on facts, which would be inappropriate.

The bench, comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, reviewed four petitions, including one jointly filed by NGOs Common Cause and the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) and three others by Dr. Khem Singh Bhatti, Sudip Narayan Tamankar, and Jai Prakash Sharma.

The Court also rejected pleas to direct authorities to recover donations received by political parties through electoral bonds and to reopen their income tax assessments. It stated that these actions fall within the statutory functions of authorities under the Income Tax Act, and issuing such directions would imply a conclusive opinion on disputed facts, which is inappropriate at this stage.

In February, the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties, and ordered the SBI to stop issuing Electoral Bonds immediately.

Congress welcomes SC move to hear Aadhaar Act challenge as money bill

July 16, 2024, 5:37 am

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday targeted the government over the bulldozing of Bills in Parliament in last 10 years under Article 110 of the Constitution and welcomed the Supreme Court agreeing to consider a submission for setting up a constitution bench to hear pleas challenging the validity of passage of laws like the Aadhaar Act as money bills, and hoped a final verdict will come before CJI D Y Chandrachud retires in November this year.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter Ramesh, who is also the party’s general secretary and communications incharge said, “In the last ten years many Bills have been bulldozed through Parliament by having them declared ‘Money Bills’ under Article 110 of the Constitution. A good example of this is the Aadhar Act of 2016. I had challenged its declaration as a money bill in the Supreme Court, and in his dissenting judgment then the present CJI had called this declaration as a ‘fraud on the Constitution’. I had challenged other instances as well.”

“The verdict of the CJI today to set up a separate Constitutional Bench to hear pleas on the gross misuse of Article 110 since 2014 is a welcome step. Hopefully a final and definitive pronouncement will come before he retires in November 2024,” the Congress leader said.
His remarks came after a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was urged by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who also heads the Supreme Court Bar Association, that the pleadings are complete and the petitions needed to be listed for hearing.

The CJI said that “I will take the call when I form the constitution benches”.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had said it would constitute a seven-judge bench to consider the issue of validity of passage of laws like the Aadhaar Act as a ‘money bill’.

The decision came over the controversy around money bills after the government introduced legislations like the Aadhaar Act and even amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as money bills, apparently to circumvent the Rajya Sabha where it did not have a majority then.

India’s judicial system entered a new era with the passage of recently passed criminal laws: CJI DY Chandrachud

April 20, 2024, 3:13 pm

Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, remarked on Saturday that “the enactment of new criminal laws has propelled India’s legal framework for criminal justice into the modern era.” Speaking at a conference on India’s Criminal Justice System hosted by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the CJI highlighted the crucial improvements aimed at safeguarding victim interests and streamlining the investigation and prosecution processes.

“India is on the brink of a substantial overhaul of its criminal justice system with the imminent implementation of three new criminal laws. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act 1872, respectively. These laws signify a pivotal moment for our society because no law impacts daily societal conduct like criminal law,” he stated.

Chandrachud underlined the moral compass of criminal law, grounded in the age-old harm principle, encapsulated by the adage, ‘Your right to swing your arms ends just where the other man’s nose begins.’ He emphasized the importance of procedural law in ensuring due process from initiating criminal proceedings to conviction, averting unjust charges and convictions.

While addressing the Conference on India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of the Criminal Justice System, Chandrachud stressed the evolving nature of laws and their implementation. He advocated for a proactive approach to embracing positive changes that cater to contemporary needs.

“With the enactment of the new criminal laws, we anticipate identifying loopholes and areas requiring attention. Such discussions would be instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of our criminal justice systems. However, our analysis must prioritize justice with a focus on civil liberties, balancing the interests of victims and the accused,” he added.

Chandrachud reiterated the necessity for laws to address persistent issues such as delays in witness examination, trial conclusion, prison overcrowding, and the plight of undertrial prisoners.

Regarding technological advancements and contemporary crime, Chandrachud acknowledged the challenges posed in crime investigation, evidence admission, prosecution, and justice delivery. He referenced American jurist Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, stating that laws must serve societal goals recognized by the community’s governing authority.

The three laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, replace the previous criminal laws, with an effective date of July 1.

The conference, attended by dignitaries including Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, and Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, aimed to highlight the key features of the three criminal laws and facilitate meaningful interactions through technical sessions and Q&A segments. Additionally, judges, advocates, academicians, law enforcement representatives, police officials, public prosecutors, district administration officials, and law students participated in the event.

600 Lawyers come together and write to the CJI claiming political groups trying to “Defame Law”

March 28, 2024, 2:32 pm

A collective of legal professionals, among them senior advocate Harish Salve and Bar Council of India chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, have communicated to the Chief Justice of India, asserting that a particular interest group is endeavoring to exert influence on the judiciary and tarnish the reputation of courts using unsubstantiated arguments and entrenched political motives. Their communication, dated March 26 and addressed to CJI DY Chandrachud, highlights the apparent exertion of pressure in political cases, particularly those concerning allegations of corruption against political figures.

The letter, circulated by official sources, indirectly targets a subset of lawyers who purportedly defend politicians by day and seek to sway judges through media channels at night. The group accused this faction of fabricating narratives about a supposedly superior past era of the judiciary, contrasting it unfavorably with current circumstances, with the aim of influencing court decisions for political advantage. The letter, titled “Judiciary Under Threat-Safeguarding Judiciary from Political and Professional Pressure,” was reportedly endorsed by approximately 600 lawyers, including Adish Aggarwala, Chetan Mittal, Pinky Anand, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, and Swarupama Chaturvedi.

Although the lawyers behind the letter refrain from citing specific cases, their concerns emerge amid ongoing high-profile corruption trials involving opposition figures. Opposition parties have accused the central government of engaging in political vendettas, a claim rejected by the ruling BJP. Notable lawyers within these opposition ranks have united against the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to Delhi’s excise policy.These lawyers accuse critics of insinuating that courts in the past were more susceptible to influence, thereby eroding public trust in the judiciary. They condemn such behavior as detrimental to the judiciary’s integrity and assert that concocting theories of “bench fixing” and comparing Indian courts to those lacking rule of law constitute disrespectful attacks on the judiciary’s honor.

Furthermore, they criticize these critics for adopting a selective approach, praising decisions they agree with while disparaging and disregarding those they disagree with. The letter alleges attempts to influence the selection of judges and spread misinformation on social media to sway their decisions. Questioning the timing of these actions amid impending elections, the lawyers recall similar incidents in 2018-2019 and urge the Supreme Court to take decisive action to safeguard the judiciary from such alleged assaults. They emphasize the importance of the CJI’s leadership during these challenging times, urging against maintaining a passive stance that could inadvertently empower those seeking to undermine the judiciary.

Rajnath Singh Describes SC Verdict on Article 370 as a ‘Historic’ Milestone

December 11, 2023, 3:24 pm

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Supreme Court’s historic validation of the removal of Article 370, terming it a decision bound to bring joy to every Indian. Singh attributed this monumental achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, expressing confidence in the initiation of a new phase of development in Jammu and Kashmir.

“PM Narendra Modi’s decision to abolish Articles 370 and 35A has been upheld by the Supreme Court. This historic judgment will bring happiness to every Indian,” Singh expressed in a social media post. He added, “Abolishing Article 370, PM Modi has not only scripted a new narrative but also bolstered India’s unity and integrity. Jammu and Kashmir have now entered a phase of profound development.”

Singh further asserted his belief that under PM Modi’s leadership, the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh will emerge as frontrunners in terms of development and good governance.

Echoing Singh’s sentiments, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict, affirming that it ratified the government’s decision as completely constitutional. In a similar social media post, Shah welcomed the court’s judgment, emphasizing the restoration of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

“Today’s verdict by the Supreme Court confirms the constitutional nature of abolishing Article 370. Peace and prosperity have returned to J&K after the visionary decision by PM Narendra Modi,” Shah stated.

Today’s Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019; it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2023

The Supreme Court’s five-judge Constitution bench, including CJI DY Chandrachud, upheld the Center’s abrogation of Article 370, asserting that decisions made by the Center for a state are not subject to legal challenge. The Court deemed Article 370 a temporary provision instrumental in integrating Jammu and Kashmir constitutionally with the Union. It directed the Election Commission to conduct Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, 2024 and urged the expeditious restoration of statehood.

The central government’s announcement on August 5, 2019, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and bifurcating the region into two union territories, received confirmation and support from the Supreme Court’s recent decision.

Manipur violence: SC directs Centre, state to ensure distribution of basic supplies

September 1, 2023, 8:29 pm

The Supreme Court urged the Centre and the Manipur government on Friday to ensure that basic supplies such as food, medicines, and other necessities are distributed to people impacted by the Manipur unrest so that no citizens are left without basic human services.

On the dismantling of the roadblock on National Highways and other areas obstructing rations, the bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala stated that the manner in which the blockade is dealt with is within law enforcement.
However, given the humanitarian nature of the situation, the government should investigate all alternatives, including airdropping vital materials, according to the Supreme Court.

It requested that the Centre and the Manipur government tell it of their actions on the next date of hearing. The case was then scheduled for a hearing on September 6. The Supreme Court issued the directives after senior counsel Meenakshi Arora appeared on behalf of the judges’ committee it formed to deal with the humanitarian aspects of the case.

Arora stated that there are two issues: first, blockades in Manipur’s Moreh district that have prevented people from receiving basic food, and second, an outbreak of chickenpox and measles in several relief camps.

The bench also took note of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s testimony that nodal officers had been selected by Manipur and the Central government.

PM Modi, CJI express pain over Manipur horrific video

July 20, 2023, 3:44 pm

Finally, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the violence in Manipur for the first time ever since the violence erupted in the state. He also expressed his thoughts on the viral video of two women displayed naked on Thursday.

In his statement before of the Monsoon Session of Parliament PM Modi stated that his heart was full with anguish and wrath before coming to Parliament, the temple of democracy.

PM Modi stated that “The incident of Manipur which has come to the fore is shameful for any civilization. The country is shamed. I appeal to all chief ministers to strengthen laws to take stringent action against crime, especially against women. The incident might be from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or Manipur, the culprit should not go scot-free in any corner of the country.

Earlier in the day, the primary accused, who stripped Kuki women naked and displayed them, was apprehended after a video of the two-month-old crime went online, causing widespread outrage.

Meanwhile, N Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur, stated that an extensive investigation is ongoing and that harsh action will be taken against all criminals, including the potential of capital penalty.

In the midst of national outrage and the opposition putting pressure on PM Modi to speak out, PM Modi vowed action and expressed his heartfelt sorrow and pain.

Biren Singh took to his Twitter and penned “My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. After taking a Suo-moto cognizance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning.

“A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society.”

Suo moto cognizance of the viral video was taken by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who stated that the incident is just wrong. “using women as a tool in a time of communal strife.” The most heinous constitutional violation. The videos that have surfaced have severely distressed us. “We will act if the government does not,” the CJI stated.

Land allotment: Heated argument between CJI and SCBA President Vikas Singh

March 2, 2023, 5:59 pm

While hearing a land allotment matter related to lawyers’ chambers on Thursday, CJI, DY Chandrachud, lost his calm as he had a heated argument with the President of Supreme Court Bar Association, Vikas Singh.

The exchange of words were witnessed when the president stressed for a listing matter before a bench led by CJI, DY Chandrachud. The president apprised the court that they are struggling to get the matter listed for the last 6 months. When the president urged for listing the matter, he also said that they have to take it to the judge’s residence if the matter don’t get listed.

After which, CJI lost his temper and asked the senior lawyer, is this a way to behave. He furthermore said that, “I will not be cowered down by you,” adding that he has been in this profession for around 22 years.

CJI further said that he has never allowed himself to be browbeaten by a member of the Bar, litigant or anyone else and will not let that happen in the last two years of his profession. Meanwhile, the president of SCBA refused to maintain silent.

To which the court said that they will list the matter on 17 March but not as item 1 in the cause of list. In another news, the SCBA president urged the court to list the the matter as soon as possible as it hasn’t listed for 6 months.