New Delhi, Jan 1: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated tersely that judges decide cases “according to the Constitution and the law” and declined to add to the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision upholding the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted the former state of Jammu and Kashmir special status. In a rare interview, the Chief Justice of India also opened up about the five-judge constitution bench ruling against legalising same-sex unions, stating that a judge’s decision in a case is never personal. However, the “long and hard battle” queer couples fought for the realisation of their rights was acknowledged by India’s 50th Chief Justice.On October 17, a five-judge Supreme Court panel recognised queer people’s equal rights and protection but declined to legalise same-sex unions. “Once a case is decided, you sort of step back from the result. As judges, we never take the results personally. I’ve never regretted anything. Yes, I have frequently been in the majority as well as the minority. However, a crucial aspect of a judge’s life is to never align oneself with a cause. “I leave it at that, having decided a case,” he uttered.In response to criticism of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Article 370, he stated that judges express their opinions through their decisions, which are then public knowledge and open for debate by anyone in a free society. As far as we are concerned, we make decisions in accordance with the law and the Constitution. I don’t believe it will be appropriate for me to address the criticism or provide an explanation for my decisions. The reason included in the signed judgement reflects what we have stated in my judgement, so I must end it there,” the CJI stated.
