Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud seeks special number plate for new Mercedes, sparks controversy
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud is once again at the centre of public attention, this time over a request for a special registration number for his newly purchased luxury car.
A letter dated July 28 from the Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court to the Delhi Transport Commissioner has surfaced, urging the department to allot a specific registration number for a new Mercedes Benz E220 owned by the retired CJI. The request for priority allocation of a VIP number has raised eyebrows, particularly because it came officially from the Supreme Court registry rather than from the individual concerned.
This is not the first instance where Justice Chandrachud has faced scrutiny over vehicle number plates. In 2024, a photograph of one of his cars bearing the registration DL1 CJI 0001 went viral on social media. The image was posted by businessman Lloyd Mathias, who wrote: “Saw then Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud at a private event in Delhi. Couldn’t help noticing the number plate: DL1 CJI 0001. Imagine if the Chief Election Commissioner’s car bore DL1 CEC 0001!”
Following the latest development, Mathias again took to social media, claiming that Chandrachud has a “long-standing fetish for VVIP number plates.” He also reshared the old photograph, remarking: “This was from 2024, when he was still CJI. He had assigned himself the ‘CJI’ plate.”
Adding to the controversy, this request for a preferential number plate comes at a time when questions are still being raised about Justice Chandrachud’s delay in vacating the official Chief Justice bungalow post-retirement. The Supreme Court had to write to the central government requesting immediate steps for the vacation of the residence.
Now, the fresh request made through the Supreme Court Registry has sparked a new wave of criticism, with many questioning whether this is a case of procedural normalcy or a reflection of lingering influence from his time in office.
Legal observers and social media users alike are divided: while some see the request as an administrative formality, others believe it reflects a misuse of institutional channels for personal preferences. Critics argue that former high-ranking officials should refrain from leveraging their previous positions for privileges not meant to extend beyond retirement.
The Transport Department is yet to officially respond to the letter or confirm whether the requested number will be allotted.
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4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
