Former CJI DY Chandrachud Clarifies Remarks on Ayodhya Verdict
In an exclusive interview with ANI, former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud addressed the controversy surrounding his comments about seeking divine help during the Ayodhya case, calling the interpretation a "misunderstanding." Justice Chandrachud clarified that his reference to prayer and meditation was about personal well-being and resilience, not about influencing judicial decisions.
“Prayer for Peace, Not Judgment”
The misunderstanding stemmed from remarks made during a visit to his native village, Kanersar, where Justice Chandrachud shared how he copes with the mental demands of his role. "I spoke about starting my day with prayer to maintain calm amidst stress, not to seek divine intervention in judgments," he explained. He emphasized that judicial decisions are firmly rooted in constitutional principles, not personal faith.
Faith and Impartiality Can Coexist
Justice Chandrachud underscored that being a person of faith does not hinder a judge's impartiality. "A judge doesn’t need to be an atheist to deliver unbiased judgments. Our training ensures that the law is applied uniformly, regardless of personal beliefs," he said, addressing the broader question of how faith interacts with judicial responsibility.
The Ayodhya Case: A Landmark Verdict
In November 2019, the Supreme Court delivered a historic and unanimous verdict in the Ayodhya dispute, granting the disputed land to a trust for the construction of a Ram temple. The bench, aware of the case’s deep emotional resonance, chose not to attribute authorship of the judgment to any single judge to symbolize collective responsibility. Justice Chandrachud reiterated that such decisions were made within the framework of law, with no space for personal biases or emotions.
Dealing with Misrepresentation
Responding to social media misinterpretations, Justice Chandrachud highlighted the challenges public figures face when quotes are taken out of context. "The role of judges in resolving complex and emotional disputes is nuanced. Our judgments are guided by justice and law, not personal practices," he stated.
His clarification offers a vital reminder of the delicate balance judges must maintain—upholding the principles of law while navigating public scrutiny of their personal lives. Justice Chandrachud's words reflect his commitment to judicial integrity and transparency.
