Published: November 14, 2025, 7:06 PM IST

Dehradun: Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Friday reflected on his tenure at the Supreme Court, calling the granting of permanent commission to women officers in the armed forces the “most fruitful” achievement of his career. Speaking at a literature festival in Dehradun, where he interacted with students from a private school, Justice Chandrachud underscored the transformative potential of laws protecting women and urged the younger generation to challenge societal norms and effect change.

“The most fruitful part of my career was getting women to be permanent members of the armed forces—women on fighter planes, women on warships, and women at borders,” Justice Chandrachud said, highlighting the landmark February 2020 verdict that allowed permanent commission for women officers in the Army. The ruling, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Chandrachud and Justice Ajay Rastogi, declared the absolute exclusion of women from command appointments indefensible and emphasized that non-consideration for leadership roles without justification could not be legally sustained.

Justice Chandrachud acknowledged that while progress has been made, India remains a largely patriarchal society. He stressed that more work needs to be done to ensure women’s empowerment, including supporting their education and discouraging early marriage. “It is you—the young girls sitting here—who can change society,” he told the students.

Breaking the Mould

The former CJI encouraged students to question norms and “break the mould,” citing examples of transformative leaders such as social reformer B.R. Ambedkar, who fought against untouchability, and Nelson Mandela, who ended apartheid in South Africa. “Society has changed because of those who had the courage to question, those who had the power to act as single individuals,” he said. Justice Chandrachud urged students to act ethically and be guided by their conscience, reminding them that moral integrity and adherence to constitutional values are foundational to creating a just society.

He also emphasised the broader role of law and ethics in society. “Laws which protect our women are among the most transformative. They not only safeguard rights but also reshape societal attitudes,” he said, highlighting the enduring impact of legal interventions on social progress.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Justice Chandrachud also encouraged students to cultivate habits of learning and self-discipline beyond formal education. Drawing from his personal routine, he shared, “I used to wake up at 3:30 a.m. to read and listen to music. Knowledge and curiosity must extend beyond textbooks.” He stressed that students are the torchbearers of change in their communities and can educate others, reinforcing the idea that individual efforts collectively transform society.

Technology, Judiciary, and Justice for All

Underlining the importance of the rule of law for national development, the former CJI spoke about the role of technology in making justice more accessible. “During my tenure, it was part of my mission to ensure that technology reaches the doorsteps of people. Justice should not be limited by the technology divide; no segment of society should be left behind,” he said, calling for better infrastructure and investments in the judicial system to make courts more efficient and accessible.

Justice Chandrachud concluded his session by urging students to focus not only on academic or professional excellence but also on character development. “In whatever role you play, whether as a doctor, lawyer, or any profession, being a good human being is crucial. Understanding injustice, practicing ethics, and contributing positively to society should guide your actions,” he said.

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