CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna’s emotional farewell speech for DY Chandrachud: ‘An emptiness will resonate…’

CJI-designate Sanjiv Khanna along with CJI Chandrachud (Image: X)

In an emotional speech on Friday, Chief Justice of India (CJI)-designate Sanjiv Khanna praised CJI Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, saying the Supreme Court would feel an “emptiness” upon his departure.

CJI Chandrachud, who took office on November 9, 2022, concluded his two-year term and bid farewell to his position. He proposed Khanna’s name for the role, who will be sworn in as the 51st CJI on November 11 (Monday).

Khanna on Friday also praised the outgoing CJI for his "monumental" contribution, saying he worked on a mission to improve the apex court and pursued his goal of making it "a sanctuary of inclusivity", which was accessible to all, news agency PTI reported.

At the farewell event for Justice Chandrachud, organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), 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.”

"From Monday, we will feel the change deeply, an emptiness will resonate through the sandstone pillars of this court, a quiet echo within the hearts of the members of the bar and the bench alike," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

He described CJI Chandrachud as a scholar and jurist who exemplified calmness in all aspects of life, pronouncing many monumental judgments.

"Thirty-eight constitutional bench judgments, including two just pronounced today. This is a record which will remain unbroken," the CJI-designate said.

He remarked that Justice Chandrachud’s skill in addressing audiences on a wide range of topics was another remarkable feat, difficult to replicate.

"As a chief justice, he had a mission, mission to improve this court under his leadership and several critical institutional developments took to flight -- from the construction of new chambers to (a new) Supreme Court building to the establishment of a dedicated war room and staff welfare activities.”

He further wished the outgoing CJI well for his family life and personal endeavours.