Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud Pays Tribute To Ram Jethmalani

Justice DY Chandrachud paid a tribute to the late legal luminary Ram Jethmalani celebrating Jethmalani's legacy while also shedding light on the significant legal reforms. The tribute took place at the 4th Ram Jethmalani Memorial Lecture which also coincided with the hundredth birth anniversary of the late lawyer.

Justice Chandrachud began his session expressing his deep respect for Jethmalani, acknowledging the lasting impact Jethmalani had on the legal profession in India. 

Reflecting on the question of whether one could ever replicate a figure like Jethmalani, Justice Chandrachud emphasised that it would be a daunting task. He says, “Jethmalani's greatness was intertwined with the social, historical, and political context of his time. He was not only an eminent criminal lawyer but also a respected parliamentarian, having served as a member of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.”

Justice Chandrachud underlined Jethmalani's commitment to justice through legal and constitutional means. He stresses, “Even during times when the post-independence scenario in India seemed challenging, Jethmalani never lost faith in the constitution and the law as instruments of orderly change.”

The session delved into the early career of Jethmalani, highlighting his determination and commitment to justice. Jethmalani's early case challenging the minimum age requirement for practicing law demonstrated his dedication to justice and led to changes in the legal rules.

One of the most notable cases mentioned was Jethmalani's involvement in the defence of Commander KM Nanavati, accused of a high-profile murder. The case, famously tried by a jury, saw his persuasive skills in action, ultimately leading to an overturn of the initial verdict.

Justice Chandrachud also discussed Jethmalani's role in advocating for constitutional principles during challenging times. He recounted how Jethmalani's efforts played a significant role in the legal landscape's evolution, particularly in cases related to the death penalty.

Jethmalani's contributions extended beyond the courtroom. He was an influential teacher who helped shape the legal education landscape in India. His efforts were instrumental in setting up the National Law School of India University in Bangalore, democratising access to legal education.

Justice Chandrachud emphasised that Jethmalani was not just a formidable advocate but also a passionate defender of civil liberties. He highlighted Jethmalani's opposition to the Emergency imposed in the 1970s, demonstrating his commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

The session also touched upon Jethmalani's role as a mentor, offering anecdotes that showcased the invaluable lessons he imparted to young lawyers.

In the latter part of the session, Justice Chandrachud shifted the focus to the recent legal reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the Indian justice delivery system. He discussed the use of technology to streamline court processes, move towards paperless filings, and provide free access to judgments through the E-Committee's ESPR portal.

He outlined efforts to increase transparency in judicial appointments and evaluate judges based on objective parameters. Justice Chandrachud also mentioned initiatives to reduce the backlog of cases and improve court efficiency, emphasising the importance of data-driven decision-making.

The session served as a reminder of the profound impact Jethmalani had on the legal profession and the enduring value of his contributions to India's legal landscape.