Pune, India – Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud shared an intimate glimpse into his spiritual approach to delivering one of the most significant judgments in Indian history during a program held in Pune today. Speaking to an audience captivated by his presence, he recounted his thoughts and feelings leading up to the landmark Ayodhya verdict, which resolved a decades-long dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi site. On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court's five-judge bench, including Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Sharad Arvind Bobde, Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan, and S.A. Abdul Nazir, delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of the Ram Janmabhoomi, paving the way for the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
This historic ruling has since allowed the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust to erect a temple that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2023. Reflecting on the weight of such a monumental decision, CJI Chandrachud revealed, “While working in court, many times cases come up which are difficult to solve. I was in a similar situation while delivering the verdict in the Ayodhya case. For hundreds of years, no one could solve the dispute, and the same matter had come before us. We had this question: how to find a way out of this?” The Chief Justice emphasized his reliance on spiritual guidance during this pivotal moment, stating, “I prayed to God for help before deciding the case.
I sat before God and said, now you find the way for me. If you believe in it, if you are interested, God will find the way for you, God also showed me the way.” Beyond the complexities of the legal challenges he faces, Chandrachud took a moment to express his appreciation for the beauty of Indian spirituality and architecture. He shared his admiration for the Yamai Devi temple of Kanhersar, describing it as the most beautiful temple he has encountered across the country. “I have traveled all over the country, visited many places, seen the temples there.
But I like the Yamai Devi temple of Kanhersar very much. I have never seen such a beautiful temple anywhere in the country,” he remarked. Chief Justice Chandrachud’s reflections not only provide insight into the thought processes behind one of the nation’s most critical rulings but also highlight the intersection of law, spirituality, and the rich cultural heritage of India. As he continues to lead the judiciary, his commitment to seeking higher guidance remains an inspiring testament to his role in shaping the country’s legal landscape.