CJI, DY Chandrachud spoke volumes about his internal dialogues on the nature and status of Law communities and its practices in India. The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) held its 31st Monsoon Convocation on 26 August 2024 at Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad International Convention Centre, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru. Invitations were spread and offered to some of the most distinguished and respected delegates in and out of Law Circle.
The Chief Justice of India acted as the guest of honor for the ceremony and while he conducted the oration, he took the opportunity to address and emphasize on the importance of inclusivity, gender-equality, and non-discrimination in Legal Bands of India. CJI Chandrachud produced recollections of unpleasant experiences that people around him witnessed during his tenure.
CJI’S recollects the memory of an Intern who faced discrimination, for his religion
Justice Chandrachud shared an unjust experience of a young intern who had started working in a law firm, and was later put in an awkward situation when the supervisor inspected him about his religion. When the intern answered, he was turned away and told not to come back the next day. On the incident that followed above, Chandrachud made a statement – “This incident shows some lawyers are violating the law and not upholding constitutional values”.
He continued and said- “But I felt better when I remembered that young lawyers such as you are sure to challenge the status quo when it is unfair. Being a good person and being a good lawyer are not mutually exclusive. If ever you find yourself in a situation where one comes at the cost of the other, I urge you to be a good person,” said the CJI.
Bottom Row- Menaka Guruswamy, Indira Jaising
Women of Law – CJI makes a point about women’s essential needs at workplace
“Lift others up when you have the opportunity to. Regardless of the type of lawyers you become, do your bit to make this profession more inclusive,” said CJI Chandrachudh, pronouncing his views on inclusivity and courtesy.
Mr. Justice Chandrachud on inclusivity, urged the gathering to make necessary amends that can make the bar propitious and welcoming for women practicing law as well. He spoke of instances where he had the chances to hold open and frank conversations with women work-colleagues, such that they didn’t hesitate to ask for his permission to do ‘work for home’, stating the reason as menstrual cramps.
Justice quotes “ Last year, four out of my five law clerks were women. I have frank conversations with them. It is not uncommon for them to give me a call in the morning and say, ‘Sir would it be alright if I worked from home today because I am suffering from menstrual cramps?’ I tell them please feel free to work from home. I am sure you will be doing your work as usual.”
He further continued and said – “It is important that we have these conversations as we cannot believe or pretend that these issues do not exist in the society.”
Supreme Court’s initiative of making sanitary napkins easily accessible
The Chief Justice of India was bewildered to inform the assemblage of graduates and delegates about the note-worthy initiative of the Supreme Court. The body has recently stationed sanitary napkin dispensers in all women restrooms on its premises.
“If we are to make our institutions equal opportunity workplaces, these conversations have to take place,” said Justice Chandrachud.
CJI’s message for the Graduates
An impressive number of 1,699 students graduated from NLSIU this Saturday. Justice Chandrachud made a point about long working hours and showed his consideration for new law graduates. He revealed the bigger picture of extreme demands law firms have of their advocates, some of these firms expect the candidates to work 24×7 throughout the year.
Justice gave a real life example of his wife stating- “My late former wife who was a lawyer, when she went to a law firm…she asked what the working hours were. She was told it is 24×7 and 365 days. When she asked what about ones with the family, she was told to find a husband who can do household chores and there is no family time.”
The Chief Justice of India expressed his views on unjust and unlawful happenings occurring in the society and reminded the students and future lawyers to see things unbiasedly. And to always move forward in a given situation with awareness and moral aptitude. Mr. Chandrachudh acknowledges- “As lawyers, we are keenly aware of society and its injustices. Our duty to uphold constitutional values is higher than that of other citizens.”
Supreme Court’s Handbook that aims at bringing reform in courtroom hearings
Justice also talked about the intentions behind the 30-page handbook published by the Supreme Court. He verbalised his views on stereotypes that are pronounced surrounding gender terms that are inadvertently used in court-rooms by bar members. The handbook establishes the distinction between stereotypes and reality, and also inculcates in it the modern-day glossary that should be considered while hearing in court rooms.
Justice Chandrachudh quotes- “We have attempted to sensitise our judges on why words such as chaste women, housewife and ravished are no longer passable in modern India.”
You can access more details about the handbook by going to The Supreme Court Handbook.
