The announcement marks not just an academic appointment but a symbolic recognition of Justice Chandrachud’s progressive jurisprudence and immense contribution to constitutional interpretation. Known for his powerful dissents and people-centric judgments, Justice Chandrachud’s association with one of India’s premier law schools signals a renewed focus on critical legal thinking and reform-oriented research.
In a press release, NLU Delhi stated:
“We are profoundly honoured to welcome Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as a Distinguished Professor at NLU Delhi.”
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NLU Delhi Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai added:
“This historic association marks a transformative chapter in Indian legal education, bringing one of our most progressive jurists to mentor the next generation of legal minds.”
Launch of the Centre for Constitutional Studies
As part of this collaboration, NLU Delhi will establish a dedicated Centre for Constitutional Studies under the leadership of Justice Chandrachud. The Centre will serve as a research hub to explore pressing constitutional questions, encourage scholarly work, and contribute to policy dialogues.
Justice Chandrachud’s vast experience in constitutional benches and landmark rulings will serve as the foundation for this Centre’s academic pursuits. It is expected to draw scholars, practitioners, and students from across the country and abroad.
“In the Spirit of Justice” — A Lecture Series
Beginning July 2025, the university will also inaugurate the “DYC Distinguished Lecture Series: In the Spirit of Justice”. This series will delve into the philosophies and contexts behind some of Justice Chandrachud’s most influential rulings, including:
- Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy v. Union of India)
- Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (Decriminalisation of Section 377)
- Sabarimala Verdict (Gender Equality in Worship)
- Joseph Shine v. Union of India (Decriminalisation of Adultery)
- Internet Shutdowns and Digital Freedoms
- Judicial Accountability and Transparency
This curated engagement will allow law students and faculty to critically engage with doctrinal shifts and interpretative strategies that have shaped Indian constitutional law.
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud: A Judicial Profile
Justice Chandrachud retired in November 2024 as the 50th Chief Justice of India, serving a transformative two-year term. He joined the Supreme Court in May 2016 and was a part of 38 Constitution Bench decisions. Some of his landmark contributions include:
- Ayodhya Verdict (2019) — Upheld constitutional principles amidst deep political and religious sensitivities.
- Right to Privacy (2017) — A historic 9-judge bench judgment affirming privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21.
- LGBTQ+ Rights — Decriminalised homosexuality, recognized same-sex rights, and advocated dignity for all.
- Article 370 — Part of the constitutional bench examining the abrogation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.
Before his Supreme Court tenure, he served as:
- Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court (2013–2016)
- Judge at Bombay High Court (2000–2013)
- Additional Solicitor General of India
- Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court (appointed in 1998)
His academic journey also includes a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from Harvard Law School.
Significance for Legal Education
Justice Chandrachud’s engagement with NLU Delhi symbolizes the bridging of legal practice and pedagogy. His interpretative style — often described as empathetic, inclusive, and reformist — aligns with a vision of legal education that is interdisciplinary, socially aware, and forward-looking.
His appointment is expected to:
- Inspire a new generation of law students toward public interest litigation and human rights.
- Facilitate original research on constitutional evolution and comparative jurisprudence.
- Create a platform for interactive learning through live case analysis and simulated courtrooms.
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s entry into academia is more than just a post-retirement engagement — it is a moment of introspection for Indian legal institutions. It reflects an effort to institutionalize the legacy of judges who not only interpret the law but shape its soul. His presence at NLU Delhi is poised to become a beacon for constitutional scholarship in the years to come.
