Former CJI DY Chandrachud Pens Debut Book “Why the Constitution Matters”

After a landmark judicial career, former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has entered the literary world with his debut book titled “Why the Constitution Matters”, slated for release by in 2025. Published by Penguin Random House, the book goes beyond legal analysis to present a powerful public narrative on how the Indian Constitution impacts real lives. Drawing from over 25 years on the bench, Chandrachud offers readers an insider’s perspective into how constitutional reasoning influences justice, governance, and social progress in modern India.

About the Author: Justice DY Chandrachud

• Served as the 50th Chief Justice of India, retiring in November 2024.
• Known for his progressive rulings on privacy, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression.
• Recognized as a liberal constitutionalist, advocating for the expansion of rights and judicial independence.

What the Book Offers

Unlike a dense legal commentary, Why the Constitution Matters is described as an “invocation to every citizen” to engage with the values enshrined in the Constitution. The book,

• Makes complex legal principles accessible to the general public.
• Uses real-life judicial experiences to show how constitutional values translate into societal outcomes.

Encourages readers—especially students and young citizens—to see the Constitution as a living document relevant to everyday issues like privacy, education, equality, and justice.

Key Themes Explored

• Judicial Responsibility and Interpretation: How judges interpret the Constitution to deliver social justice.
• Citizen Engagement: Why public understanding of constitutional rights is essential for democracy.
• Human Rights and Equality: The legal and ethical basis for expanding rights in a diverse society.
• Secularism and Liberty: How constitutional safeguards support pluralism and freedom in India.

Chandrachud’s writing, shaped by decades of courtroom experience, balances intellectual depth with clarity, making it ideal for students, civil service aspirants, legal enthusiasts, and the general public.

Why the Constitution Still Matters

Justice Chandrachud makes the case that the Constitution is not just a legal code but a moral and social compass. Especially in times of social unrest or political polarization, understanding constitutional values becomes critical to,

• Protecting individual freedoms
• Ensuring fair governance
• Defending the rights of minorities and the marginalized
• Upholding democratic accountability

Key Takeaways

• Book Title: Why the Constitution Matters
• Author: Former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud
• Publisher: Penguin Random House
• Purpose: Connect constitutional principles with everyday lives
• Key Themes: Justice, rights, liberty, citizen participation