Ex-CJI Chandrachud Regrets Marital Rape Not Criminalized After 76 Years of Independence

• Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted transformative rulings during his tenure, including permanent commission for women in armed forces, decriminalizing homosexuality, and the electoral bonds issue.
• He suggested including eminent civil society members in the collegium system to enhance transparency and public trust in judicial appointments.
• Justice Chandrachud expressed regret that marital rape has not been criminalized even after 76 years of India's independence, advocating strongly for legal changes.
• He championed making the Supreme Court a 'people's court' by initiating live telecasts of proceedings in Hindi and all Eighth Schedule languages.
• Addressing concerns about liberal values, he affirmed bail before conviction as a citizen's right, but stressed thorough investigation in national security cases, referencing Umar Khalid's bail rejection.

Why It Matters: Former CJI Chandrachud regrets marital rape remains uncriminalized, advocating for legal reform and judicial transparency.