DY Chandrachud’s Last Working Day: What Do Chief Justices Do After Term Ends

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud will demit office on Sunday, November 10. He will be succeeded by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, currently the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court. Justice Khanna will take charge on Monday, November 11.The role of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is central to upholding justice and safeguarding the Constitution. Once their tenure ends, CJIs and other Supreme Court judges are prohibited from practising law in any Indian court, according to Article 124(7) of the Constitution. The restriction reflects important ethical considerations, ensuring judges maintain impartiality even beyond their tenure.The ban on post-retirement practice has a strong ethical foundation, aimed at preserving public confidence in the judiciary’s independence and integrity. The judiciary is a pillar of democracy, and its credibility relies on perceived and actual impartiality. Allowing a judge to advocate after serving could raise suspicions about career-driven rulings during their tenure.