Recently, an image of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s vehicle registration plate became a topic of widespread conversation on social media. The Mercedes, sporting the unique plate DL1 CJI 0001, was highlighted by Lloyd Mathias, an angel investor, on X, drawing attention for its distinctive numbering. Mathias shared his experience of seeing Chandrachud at a Delhi event, expressing intrigue over the car’s plate and pondering if the Chief Election Commissioner’s vehicle bore a similar registration.
The revelation of the plate number initially surprised many on social media. However, it was soon understood that Chandrachud, in his role as Chief Justice, is entitled to use this vehicle, which is officially listed under the “Registrar Supreme Court of India.”
Beyond this, Chief Justice Chandrachud has recently been noted for his efforts to make legal education more accessible to students in remote rural areas. He argued for the expansion of university law education to ensure equitable opportunities for students from smaller communities to enter the legal profession.
At the inauguration of Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Chandrachud emphasized how technology could help connect with students in remote locations. He criticized the existing legal education framework for favoring English-speaking students from urban settings and pointed out a survey showing the admission barriers faced by students from varied backgrounds due to language constraints. Chandrachud advocated for a shift in legal education to be more inclusive, suggesting that activities like moot courts, internships, and competitions should be designed to accommodate students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.
