CJI DY Chandrachud Highlights Work-Life Balance, Gender Equality in Legal Profession

New Delhi, August 27, 2023: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, while addressing the 31st annual convocation of the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, emphasized the importance of better working hours and work-life balance in law offices. He made a poignant reference to his late former wife’s experience as a lawyer when advocating for these changes.

Recalling her experience, the CJI shared, “My late former wife who was a lawyer, when she went to a law firm, she asked what would be the working hours and she was told it is 24×7 and 365 days… When she asked what about ones with family, she was told to find a husband who can do household chores and there is no family time.”

Justice Chandrachud noted the evolving landscape, stating that such attitudes are changing now. He further underlined his support for women’s well-being by allowing his women law clerks to work from home during menstruation-related health issues. “We have also provided sanitary napkins dispensers in the female washrooms in the Supreme Court of India,” he added.

Offering advice to the graduating students, he emphasized the significance of being a good person alongside a good lawyer. “If the cost of being successful is that we have to act against conscience or be indifferent in the face of injustice, know that the cost is too high,” he advised.

Justice Chandrachud’s vocal advocacy for work-life balance has garnered attention, showcasing his commitment to positive change within the legal profession. His acknowledgment of his female law clerks’ challenges due to menstruation also underscores his efforts towards creating a supportive work environment.