Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the eminent alumnus of Harvard Law School, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Award for Global Leadership’ by his alma mater, Harvard Law School, in acknowledgment of his exceptional contributions to the realm of law and justice.
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s association with Harvard Law School spans several decades. He fondly reminisced about his formative years at the institution, where he pursued his Master of Laws (LLM) from 1982 to 1983 and subsequently embarked on his Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) journey from 1983 to 1986. These transformative years at Harvard profoundly influenced his perspective and laid the groundwork for his illustrious career in the legal profession.
This accolade coincided with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Harvard Law School’s Graduate Law Program, underscoring the institution’s enduring commitment to legal education and innovation.
Throughout his tenure as the Chief Justice of India, Chandrachud has been a pioneering figure in judicial reform. Under his stewardship, the Supreme Court has taken significant strides in integrating technology into court processes, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in legal proceedings.
Chief Justice Chandrachud also champions the cause of combatting gender stereotypes within the legal profession. Under his guidance, the Supreme Court launched a ‘Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes,’ exemplifying his dedication to fostering equality and inclusivity in the field of law.
In his address, the Chief Justice passionately emphasized the interconnectedness of law with other domains of knowledge, emphasizing that law cannot operate in isolation and is inherently linked to fields like medical science and technology. His vision for an interdisciplinary approach to legal studies is paving the way for a more holistic understanding of the law.
Chief Justice Chandrachud also shared insights into the democratization of the legal profession, highlighting the implementation of a new law clerk scheme during his tenure. This initiative aims to provide equal access for individuals from all walks of life to apply for a clerkship at the Supreme Court, ensuring that opportunities in the legal field are accessible to a broader spectrum of society.
The ceremony featured a fireside chat between Chief Justice Chandrachud and David Wilkins, a renowned professor at Harvard Law School and Faculty Director of the Center on the Legal Profession. This discussion offered valuable insights into the Chief Justice’s vision for the legal system, providing students and faculty with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his perspectives.
Throughout the event, Chief Justice Chandrachud had the privilege of engaging with students and faculty members from various departments at Harvard University, fostering meaningful dialogues and enriching the academic environment with his wisdom and experience.