Former chief justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Friday stated that the "most fruitful" part of his career was getting women permanent commission in the armed forces. He said laws protecting women could bring the most transformative change in a nation.
He said more work still needs to be done as society remains patriarchal. Speaking at a literature festival in Dehradun, he told students of a private school that change will come only when people are willing to question old ideas.
The former CJI urged the students to "break the mould" to bring change for the better. He gave examples of how reformers like B R Ambedkar and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela fought against deep-rooted injustices.
When asked which law or principle can bring the biggest change, Justice Chandrachud replied, "Laws which protect our women." He said the most rewarding part of his career was helping women get permanent commission in the armed forces. He spoke of women flying fighter jets, serving on warships and guarding borders as a sign of real progress.
Despite this progress, he said that society is still patriarchal and more must be done. He urged parents to let their daughters complete their education instead of rushing them into marriage.
Looking at the girl students, he said, "It is you who can change society." In February 2020, Justice Chandrachud and Justice Ajay Rastogi delivered a landmark verdict allowing permanent commission to women officers in the Army. The bench said their exclusion from all positions except staff roles had no justification.
The bench also said that the blanket denial of command roles to women officers could not be supported in law. The ruling became a major moment in the push for gender equality in the armed forces.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Chandrachud said, "Why can't we change? We need to break the mould. Ultimately, society has been changed by those who have the power to question, people who have the power to break the mould." "It is very easy to ask yourself... I am a single individual, how can I make a difference to society. Society has changed, apartheid has changed because of Nelson Mandela, untouchability changed because of Dr B R Ambedkar. You can think of millions of examples of women and men who changed society as single individuals.”
"...you have to follow ethics because you live in a community but we are guided by our own conscience, which is morally just and in accordance with constitutional values," he said.
The former CJI said that students should aim to become good human beings. He said that whether they become doctors or lawyers, empathy and understanding injustice are essential.
Justice Chandrachud advised the students to keep learning beyond the classroom. He shared that he used to wake up at 3.30 am to read or listen to music, which helped him grow personally.
He said that the rule of law is critical for a nation’s development. He called for more investment, better infrastructure and smarter use of technology in the judiciary.
"It was a part of my mission as CJI to ensure that technology reaches the doorsteps of people. Take justice to the doorsteps of people. The technology divide should not leave any segment of our society behind," he said.
Justice Chandrachud said students have an important role in educating their communities. He said they can become torchbearers of change with their awareness and actions.
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