Literature's Role in Humanizing the Law: Insights from Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized literature's role in humanizing the law at the Vidhi Utsav. He highlighted the importance of looking beyond legal texts for better legal understanding. Chandrachud also discussed the evolving comprehension of disabilities and the need for nuanced equality in legal frameworks.

At the recent Vidhi Utsav, a festival celebrating law and legal literature, former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud underscored the transformative power of literature in providing a more nuanced understanding of legal systems. He stressed the importance of going beyond mere legal texts to grasp the true spirit of the law.

As the keynote speaker, Chandrachud cited various literary figures and books, like Alan Paton's "Cry, The Beloved Country," that influenced his judicial journey, highlighting how literature can illuminate systemic injustices, such as Apartheid in South Africa, and inspire more compassionate interpretations of legal principles.

He also illustrated the evolution of understanding regarding disabilities in Indian law, noting the shift from a medical perspective to recognizing societal barriers. Further, Chandrachud discussed the complexity of equality laws, emphasizing the need for deeper analysis beyond written statutes to ensure fairness and justice in an inherently unequal society.