D. Y. Chandrachud is a prominent Indian judge who currently serves as the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court of India. He was born on November 11, 1959, in Mumbai, India, to the renowned jurist Y.V. Chandrachud, who served as the Chief Justice of India from 1978 to 1985.
Chandrachud received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and then earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Mumbai. He later obtained a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1984. After completing his education, he started practicing law in the Bombay High Court and then went on to become a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
Chandrachud was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2000 and served as its Chief Justice from 2013 to 2016. He was then elevated to the Supreme Court of India in 2016, where he continues to serve as a judge.
During his tenure as a judge, Chandrachud has been known for his progressive and liberal views. He has played a key role in many landmark judgments, particularly in matters related to individual rights and freedom. He has been a strong advocate of freedom of expression and has often been critical of any attempt to curb it.
One of the most significant judgments delivered by Chandrachud was in the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, where he was part of a five-judge bench that struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality. The judgment was widely celebrated as a landmark victory for the LGBTQ+ community in India.
Chandrachud has also been instrumental in upholding the rights of marginalized communities. In a recent judgment, he upheld the constitutional validity of the Forest Rights Act, which recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to live in and cultivate forest land. This judgment was hailed as a major victory for tribal communities in India.
Apart from his judicial work, Chandrachud is also a prolific writer and has written extensively on various legal issues. His writings have been published in leading legal journals and magazines.
D. Y. Chandrachud is a prominent Indian judge who has made significant contributions to the Indian judiciary. He is known for his progressive views and has played a key role in many landmark judgments. His commitment to upholding individual rights and freedom has earned him widespread admiration and respect.