Abhinav Chandrachud: Biography, Education, Career, and Notable Cases
Introduction
Abhinav Chandrachud is a distinguished Indian lawyer practicing at the Bombay High Court. He is notably the son of former Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud. Abhinav has recently garnered attention for representing YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in a high-profile legal case. He is also a legal scholar and author, contributing extensively to discussions on constitutional law and free speech in India.
Early Life and Education
Abhinav hails from a family with a rich legal heritage. His father, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, served as the 50th Chief Justice of India. Abhinav pursued his legal education at the Government Law College in Mumbai, earning his LL.B. degree in 2008. He furthered his studies with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School, where he was recognized as a Dana Scholar. He also holds a Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) and a Master of the Science of Law (J.S.M.) from Stanford Law School, where he was honored as a Franklin Family Scholar.
Personal Details
To provide a concise overview of Abhinav Chandrachud’s personal details:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abhinav Chandrachud |
| Date of Birth | 1984 |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | LL.B. from Government Law College, Mumbai; LL.M. from Harvard Law School; J.S.D. and J.S.M. from Stanford Law School |
| Profession | Advocate at Bombay High Court |
| Notable Works | “Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India”; “Supreme Whispers: Conversations with Judges of the Supreme Court of India 1980-1989” |
| Father | D.Y. Chandrachud (Former Chief Justice of India) |
| Marital Status | Private (Not publicly disclosed) |
Legal Career and Notable Cases
Abhinav Chandrachud has built a remarkable legal career with a specialization in constitutional law, civil liberties, and public interest litigation. He has argued several high-profile cases in the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court of India. Below are some of the most notable cases he has worked on:
| Case Name | Year | Outcome & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Privacy Case | 2017 | Played an advisory role in the landmark judgment affirming the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21. |
| Decriminalization of Section 377 | 2018 | Advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that decriminalized homosexuality in India. |
| Freedom of Speech PILs | 2020 | Successfully represented journalists and activists in cases related to free speech and sedition laws. |
| Ranveer Allahbadia Case | 2025 | Representing the YouTuber in Supreme Court proceedings seeking to quash multiple FIRs related to controversial remarks. |
| Social Media Regulation PIL | 2023 | Filed a petition challenging arbitrary censorship laws imposed on digital content creators. |
Representation of Ranveer Allahbadia
In February 2025, Abhinav Chandrachud took on the legal representation of YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as “BeerBiceps,” in the Supreme Court. Allahbadia faced multiple FIRs across various states due to controversial remarks made during an episode of the YouTube show “India’s Got Latent,” hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Abhinav filed a petition seeking to consolidate these FIRs and requested an urgent hearing, highlighting the summons issued by the Assam Police for Allahbadia’s appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Abhinav Chandrachud?
Abhinav Chandrachud is an Indian lawyer who practices at the Bombay High Court. He is known for his expertise in constitutional law and public interest litigation.
2. What is his educational background?
He has an LL.B. from Government Law College, Mumbai, an LL.M. from Harvard Law School, and both J.S.D. and J.S.M. degrees from Stanford Law School.
3. What are some of his notable publications?
He has authored “Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India” and “Supreme Whispers: Conversations with Judges of the Supreme Court of India 1980-1989.”
4. What are some high-profile cases he has worked on?
He has played key roles in cases related to privacy rights, LGBTQ+ rights (Section 377), free speech, and social media regulation.
5. What is his connection to D.Y. Chandrachud?
He is the son of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India.
6. What is his role in the Ranveer Allahbadia case?
In 2025, he represented YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in the Supreme Court, seeking to consolidate multiple FIRs filed against him for controversial remarks.
7. What areas of law does he specialize in?
His practice focuses on constitutional law, civil liberties, free speech, and public interest litigation.
Conclusion
Abhinav Chandrachud’s blend of esteemed education, professional experience, and a legacy rooted in the Indian judiciary underscores his prominence in the legal field. His contributions to constitutional law, media regulation, and public interest litigation make him one of the most respected lawyers in India today. With his continued advocacy for free speech and civil liberties, he remains a key figure in shaping the nation’s legal landscape.
