'Bangladesh is a stark reminder of how precious freedom is to us': CJI Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Thursday stressed the importance of freedom, reflecting on India's 1950 decision to accept the “uncertainty of freedom”. He cited the current situation in Bangladesh as a reminder of the value of freedom.

“We chose 1950 over the uncertainty of freedom, and what is happening in Bangladesh today is a clear reminder that freedom means freedom to us,” he said while addressing an event in New Delhi to mark the 78th Independence Day. How precious.

The CJI further emphasized that while it is easy to take liberty and freedom for granted, “it is important to understand the stories of the past to remind us how important these things are”.

In his speech, Chandrachud acknowledged the contribution of freedom fighters who gave up their legal profession to join the national struggle.

“Many lawyers gave up practicing law to devote themselves to the cause of the country. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah, etc. They not only helped India achieve freedom; to establish a fiercely independent judiciary,” he said.

Looking back on his 24 years as a judge, he noted that the work of the court reflected the struggles faced by ordinary Indians in the complexities of daily life.

“As a judge for the past 24 years, I can put my hands on my heart and say that the work of the court reflects the rough and tumble struggles of ordinary Indians in their daily lives. The Supreme Court of India has witnessed the work of people from all regions, villages, castes, genders and religions and litigants in metropolitan areas seeking justice, the legal community allows the courts to provide justice to these citizens to a small extent.