In a prestigious recognition of his distinguished career, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud was recently bestowed with the ‘Award for Global Leadership’ by Harvard Law School. This honor, the highest professional accolade granted by his alma mater, was publicly announced on January 11, 2023, in a virtual ceremony.
CJI Chandrachud graced Harvard Law School with his presence for a stimulating fireside chat with Professor David Wilkins, a prominent faculty member and the Faculty Director of the Center on the Legal Profession. The event was especially significant as Harvard Law School celebrated the centennial of its Graduate Law Program.
Reflecting on his time as a student at Harvard, CJI Chandrachud fondly recalled his days as an LLM student from 1982 to 1983 and later as an SJD candidate from 1983 to 1986.
During this momentous occasion, the Chief Justice also shed light on the groundbreaking initiatives introduced during his first year as the Chief Justice of India. These innovations encompassed the integration of technology into the judicial processes and the launch of a handbook aimed at countering gender stereotypes, among other endeavors.
In his address, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the vital intersection of law with various disciplines, noting that the law cannot exist in isolation from fields such as medical science and technology. This connection underscores the dynamic nature of legal proceedings in the modern era.
Furthermore, CJI Chandrachud’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the legal profession was evident. He mentioned the novel law clerk scheme, which offers unrestricted access for all individuals to apply for clerkships at the Supreme Court, as a step toward democratizing the legal profession. The Chief Justice also expressed his concerns about the mental well-being of lawyers and encouraged the development of mechanisms within law schools to equip students with the tools to manage stress and safeguard their mental health.
The interaction did not conclude with academic discourse alone. CJI Chandrachud engaged with students and faculty members from various departments at Harvard University, underscoring the importance of the academic community in shaping the future of the legal profession.
In receiving the ‘Award for Global Leadership,’ CJI Chandrachud’s legacy as a jurist, academic, and advocate for progressive legal reform is further solidified, leaving an indelible mark on India’s legal landscape and on the global stage.
