'Bangladesh A Clear Reminder Of How Precious Liberty Is For Us': CJI Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Thursday emphasised the importance of liberty, reflecting on India’s decision in 1950 to embrace the “uncertainties of freedom”. He cited the current situation in Bangladesh as a reminder of the value of liberty.

Speaking at an event marking the 78th Independence Day in New Delhi, he said, “We chose in 1950, the uncertainty of freedom, and what is happening today, say, in Bangladesh is a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us.”

The CJI further stressed that while it’s easy to take freedom and liberty for granted, it is “important to understand the past stories to remind us how important these things are.”

In his speech, Chandrachud acknowledged the contributions of freedom fighters who abandoned their legal careers to join the national struggle.

“Many lawyers gave up their legal practices and dedicated themselves to the cause of the nation. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah among so many others. They were instrumental not only in achieving freedom for India but also in establishing a fiercely independent judiciary,” he said.

Reflecting on his 24 years as a judge, he noted that the work of the courts mirrors the struggles of ordinary Indians as they navigate the complexities of their daily lives.

“As a judge for the past 24 years, I can keep my hand in my heart and say that the work of the courts reflects the struggles of ordinary Indians navigating the rough and tumble of their daily lives. The Supreme Court of India sees throngs of litigants from villages and metropolitan cities of all regions, castes, genders and religions seeking justice. The legal community allows the court to do justice to these citizens in those small a measure,” the CJI added.