HTLS 2023: PM Modi on mental, perceived and exaggerated barriers
HT Leadership Summit 2023 features influential speakers from diverse fields, envisioning a future #BeyondBarriers.

Welcome to the highlights of the fifth and final day of the HT Leadership Summit 2023! Over the past four days, we've witnessed insightful discussions, remarkable conversations, and a diverse array of luminaries from various fields. Today, we had an exciting lineup of sessions, promising to close this prestigious event on a high note....Read More
In the inaugural session, we had the privilege of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud engaging in a conversation with Utkarsh Anand, national legal editor of Hindustan Times. It was a thought-provoking discussion on the legal landscape in India.
The second session featured an international perspective, with Lisa Curtis, Director of Indo-Pacific Security at the Center for a New American Security, and Minxin Pei, a distinguished professor.
In the third session, Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash of the Indian Navy, Colonel Neha Singh of the Indian Army, and Group Captain Shaliza Dhami of the Indian Air Force shared their insights with Rahul Singh, Senior Associate Editor of Hindustan Times.
The fourth session featured Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Textiles, and Leader of the House, Rajya Sabha, in conversation with Anand Narasimhan, Managing Editor of Special Projects & Senior Anchor at Network 18.
In the fifth session, we had the privilege of hearing from Academy Award-winning actress and producer Charlize Theron, who was in conversation with Karan Johar, the renowned director and producer.
The following sessions delved into critical topics ranging from healthcare, sports, and industry, with distinguished speakers such as Keith Flaherty, Vivek Wadhwa, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and many more.
The day concluded with a closing address by none other than the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, offering his insights and vision for the future.
Court guided by consitutional morality: Chandrachud
Chandrachud reaffirms that judges are guided by constitutional morality, not public morality, emphasizing values such as fraternity, human dignity, personal morality, and equality. He highlights the judiciary as a platform for constructive engagement, where diverse views lead to a synthesis for change. He reminds that it's within the legislature's power to rectify deficiencies in laws as pronounced by the courts, referring to a historical example in 1951 when Parliament overruled a Supreme Court decision related to reservations in educational institutions.
CJI on unique role of judges and advancing rights
The CJI emphasizes the unique role of judges, highlighting that their non-elected status is not a deficiency but a strength. Courts are entrusted with the duty to protect fundamental values. Sometimes, they are ahead of their times, such as in environmental protection. He reflects on his dissent in the same-sex equality matter, advocating for the recognition of the right to form unions.
Chandrachud on modernizing legal communication and embracing accessibility
He stresses the need to evolve from the colonial-era model, aiming for a more accessible judiciary. The use of faster software allows court orders to reach even the remotest jails, demonstrating a commitment to open the justice system to citizens.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud: Advancing Digital Transformation in the Legal System
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud sheds light on the digitization efforts in the legal system, with the implementation of phase 3 of the e-court project. The aim is to create a more citizen-centric judiciary, bringing the courts closer to the people.
Transforming legal discourse and eliminating gender stereotypes
Chandrachud emphasizes the need to rectify gender stereotypes within the legal system. Expressing concern about terms like "career woman" and "chaste woman" being used in pejorative ways, he discusses the court's efforts, including an educational handout, to change mindsets and make the court more accessible.
Language - the third barrier
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud talks about the third barrier: language. To bridge this gap, the Supreme Court has been using machine learning to translate judgments, ensuring that the court's reach extends to all citizens.
Structural barriers in judiciary
Exploring structural barriers in the legal system, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlights the critical role of the judiciary. Besides delivering verdicts, the courts create space for reasoned dialogue and work administratively to address these issues.
On diverse barriers in the legal system
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud delves into the discussion on diverse barriers in the legal system, emphasizing the need to redefine "merit" in a more inclusive sense, ensuring opportunities for the marginalized. A thought-provoking start to the day!
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to address the inaugural session shortly
We're moments away from the highly anticipated inaugural session at the HT Leadership Summit 2023. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is all set to address the audience shortly, promising an insightful start to the day. Stay tuned for updates!