38.6c New Delhi, India, Monday, August 04, 2025
Top Stories Supreme Court
Political NEWS Legislative Corner Celebstreet International Videos
Subscribe Contact Us
close
Legal Insiders

CJI DY Chandrachud’s last working day: What do Chief Justices do after term ends

By Jhanak Sharma      08 November, 2024 03:30 PM      0 Comments
CJI DY Chandrachuds last working day What do Chief Justices do after term ends

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is set to step down on Sunday, November 10, making way for Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who currently ranks as the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court. Justice Khanna will assume office on Monday, November 11, as India’s 51st Chief Justice, succeeding CJI Chandrachud.

Prohibition on Legal Practice

The Chief Justice of India plays a vital role in upholding justice and the integrity of the Constitution. Following retirement, however, both CJIs and Supreme Court judges are legally barred from practising in any Indian court, as stipulated by Article 124(7) of the Constitution. This restriction is rooted in ethical considerations, ensuring judges remain impartial even after completing their terms.

Rationale Behind the Ban

The prohibition on post-retirement legal practice is designed to maintain public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality. As a cornerstone of democracy, the judiciary’s integrity depends on the perception of unbiased decision-making. Allowing former judges to practice could lead to questions about potential career-focused rulings during their judicial tenure.

Key Reasons:

• Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: This restriction helps reduce potential biases from past relationships or cases.
• Preserving Judicial Authority: Allowing former Supreme Court judges to practice could detract from their dignity and authority.
• Preventing Ethical Complications: Knowledge of sensitive information from their judicial service could lead to ethical dilemmas in future cases.

Post-Retirement Roles for a CJI

While they cannot advocate in court, retired CJIs and Supreme Court judges often contribute in other professional capacities that respect judicial ethics:

• Arbitration and Mediation: Retired judges frequently serve as arbitrators or mediators, lending their expertise in dispute resolution under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
• Commissions and Tribunals: Many former Supreme Court judges head or join commissions like the National Human Rights Commission or the National Green Tribunal, where their experience benefits matters of national and administrative importance.
• Academic and Educational Roles: Many retired judges engage in teaching at law schools, delivering lectures, or writing legal publications.
• Public Service: Retired judges can also be appointed to roles like governors or serve on government committees, contributing to public policy.

Criticisms of Post-Retirement Appointments

Some argue that taking government roles post-retirement may impact perceptions of judicial independence. For instance, former CJI Ranjan Gogoi’s swift appointment to the Rajya Sabha sparked debates over whether such positions might compromise the impartiality expected of the judiciary.
 



Share this article:

About:

Jhanak is a lawyer by profession and legal journalist by passion. She graduated at the top of her cl...Read more

Follow:
FacebookTwitterLinkedinInstagram


Leave a feedback about this
Related Posts
View All

Another CBI Officer Investigating Rakesh Asthana Moves SC Against Transfer, Makes Startling Revelations Another CBI Officer Investigating Rakesh Asthana Moves SC Against Transfer, Makes Startling Revelations

After A.K. Bassi, another CBI officer who was investigating corruption allegations against Special Director Rakesh Asthana moved the Supreme Court.

Ayodhya verdict: SC rules in favour of Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board gets alternate land Ayodhya verdict: SC rules in favour of Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board gets alternate land

SC bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi has allotted the dispute site to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, while directing the government to allot an alternate 5 acre land within Ayodhya to Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque.

Supreme Court: Money Spent On Judiciary Less Than 1% In All States Except Delhi Supreme Court: Money Spent On Judiciary Less Than 1% In All States Except Delhi

The court guided all states to document their response to the commission's report within four weeks. If any of the states fail to file a response, it will be presumed that they have no objections to the recommendations made by the commission, the court said.

Supreme Court Top Panel Names Chief Justices for Bombay, Orissa and Meghalaya High Courts Supreme Court Top Panel Names Chief Justices for Bombay, Orissa and Meghalaya High Courts

On April 18, 2020, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended new Chief Justices for three High Courts. Justice Dipankar Datta was proposed as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, succeeding Justice B.P. Dharmadhikari. Justice Biswanath Somadder was nominated as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, while Justice Mohammad Rafiq was recommended for transfer as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court.

TRENDING NEWS


TOP STORIES

why-so-many-students-dying-by-suicides-sc-asks-iit-kharagpur
Trending Judiciary
Why so many students dying by suicides, SC asks IIT Kharagpur

SC asks IIT Kharagpur why students are dying by suicide; raises concern amid rising campus deaths despite new mental health guidelines.

29 July, 2025 11:51 AM
sc-takes-suo-motu-cognisance-of-dog-bite-incidents
Trending Judiciary
SC takes suo motu cognisance of dog bite incidents

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of rising dog bite cases after 6-year-old girl dies of rabies; terms media report alarming and disturbing.

29 July, 2025 01:38 PM
sc-quashes-fir-against-ace-shuttler-lakshya-sen-others-for-forging-birth-certificate
Trending Judiciary
SC quashes FIR against ace Shuttler Lakshya Sen, others for forging birth certificate [Read Judgment]

SC quashes FIR against shuttler Lakshya Sen, says forgery case based on vendetta, lacked merit and abused criminal process.

29 July, 2025 04:20 PM
supreme-court-to-hear-presidential-reference-on-bill-clearance-timelines-from-august-19
Trending Judiciary
Supreme Court to Hear Presidential Reference on Bill Clearance Timelines from August 19

SC to hear Presidential Reference on timelines for Governors & President to clear Bills, from Aug 19 to Sept 10; Kerala & TN oppose maintainability.

29 July, 2025 04:43 PM

ADVERTISEMENT


Join Group

Signup for Our Newsletter

Get Exclusive access to members only content by email