Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Friday (May 16) criticised the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for not holding a farewell ceremony for retiring judge Justice Bela M Trivedi against established norms.

Justice Trivedi was elevated to the apex court on August 31, 2021 and spent over three years. She became the 11th woman judge to be appointed in its 75-year history.

Justice Trivedi demits office

Though Justice Trivedi would have demitted office on June 9, 2025, Friday marked her last day owing to a personal commitment.

Justice Gavai, while presiding over a ceremonial Bench comprising Justices Trivedi and Augustine George Masih assembled in her honour, said that the bar association should not have taken such a stand.

“I must deprecate openly, because I believe in speaking plainly… The association (SCBA) ought not to have been such a stand,” said the CJI.

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CJI lauds Sibal, SCBA VP

However, he lauded SCBA president and senior advocate Kapil Sibal and vice president Rachna Srivastava for attending the proceedings despite the stand taken by their association of not holding the usual function for Justice Trivedi in the evening.

“I am grateful to Kapil Sibal and Rachna Srivastava, both of whom are here. But the stand taken by the Association, I must deprecate openly… On such an occasion, such a stand ought not to have been taken by the Association,” the CJI said.

“So, therefore, I am openly appreciating Sibal and Srivastava for their presence. Despite the resolution of their bodies, they are here. But what has been lost by the association, the presence of the Full House here, vindicates that she is a very, very good judge. There are different types of judges, but that should not be a factor to deny what ought to have been granted,” he added.

Echoing similar views, Justice Masih said that he feels sorry over the situation, adding that traditions should be followed and respected.

“Strangely enough, as has already been expressed by the chief (CJI), I feel sorry, but I must say that traditions need to be followed, and they are to be respected. I am sure good traditions should always continue,” Justice Masih said.

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‘Known for her fairness’

The CJI praised Justice Trivedi for her rise from the district judiciary to the Supreme Court and for delivering justice with hard work and dedication. “She should always be known for fairness, firmness, carefulness, hard work, devotion, dedication, industry, integrity…,” he said.

He lauded Justice Trivedi as a “valuable asset for our judiciary”.

“Justice Trivedi, you have been a valuable asset for our judiciary, as you embark on a new journey, I wish you all the best,” added the CJI.

As per established practice, the SCBA holds farewell functions for retiring apex court judges, but the association took an exceptional decision by not holding such a function in the case of Justice Trivedi. The SCBA decision might have originated from some decisions taken by Justice Trivedi that have gone against lawyers affiliated with it.

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A strict judge

Justice Trivedi, known for being strict and conservative when it came to granting relief, had differences with the bar.

According to a Live Law report, last year, a Bench headed by Justice Trivedi ordered a CBI probe against lawyers with the alleged filing of a fake SLP (Special Leave Petition) based on a forged Vakalatnama (power of attorney). Justice Trivedi rejected the appeals made by many bar leaders for leniency.

In another incident, Justice Trivedi called for strict action against a few lawyers for their misconduct in filing a petition, and declined to accept their apology.

“Judges come to the Supreme Court from different backgrounds, carrying their idea of justice. This polyvocality of the Supreme Court is seen as a strength, it represents democratic values and independence of judges. Nonetheless, what is more important is institutional unity,” Justice Trivedi said at the event, as per the report.

(With inputs from agencies)