CJI UU Lalit names Justice DY Chandrachud to serve as 50th Chief Justice of India

With the upcoming demission from office, CJI UU Lalit has formally named Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, to take up the position of the 50th Chief Justice of India. The present CJI handed a copy of his letter of recommendation to Justice Chandrachud during a brief meeting held at the Supreme Court judges’ lounge on Tuesday.

Reportedly, the age of retirement for the Supreme Court judges is 65 as per which, newly appointed Justice Chandrachud (62) will hold charge of the CJI position for two years and retire on November 11, 2024.

The process of appointment of judges in higher judiciary is governed by a Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) in which the CJI in charge formally names the successor for the position after getting an indication from the Law Ministry.

CJI UU Lalit's recommendation to the government will kick-start the procedure for the appointment of Justice Chandrachud. This would be a historical feat in Indian Judicial history as Justice DY Chandrachud's father, Justice YV Chandrachud served as the 16th Chief Justice of India. After being sworn-in, Justice Chandrachud Jr. will become the first second-generation Chief Justice of India.

Justice Chandrachud has had a formidable judicial career which began back in March 29, 2000, when he was appointed as the Judge of the Bombay High court. After this, he also served as the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court from 2013 to 2016 which led him to his appointment as a Supreme Court judge back in the year 2016. In the past, he has had major say in crucial turning points in the recent history.