CJI B.R. Gavai Criticizes Supreme Court Bar Association for Declining to Hold Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi

CJI BR Gavai Voices Disappointment Over SCBA's Decision to Skip Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi

In an unusual break from tradition, the Supreme Court Bar Association's (SCBA) refusal to hold a farewell ceremony for retiring Justice Bela M. Trivedi has drawn sharp criticism from Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, sparking a heated debate within legal circles. Justice Trivedi, who has been part of several landmark judgments during her tenure since 2021, is set to retire on 09 June 2025, but will do so without the customary send-off typically accorded to outgoing Supreme Court judges.  

During a recent address, CJI Gavai made his displeasure clear without directly naming the SCBA, emphasizing that "every judge who has served this institution with dedication deserves recognition." His remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke of the Bar Association's decision, with many viewing it as a breach of the longstanding tradition of mutual respect between the bench and the bar. While the SCBA has not officially explained its stance, sources suggest that disagreements over some of Justice Trivedi's rulings, particularly in criminal and bail-related matters, may have influenced the decision.  

The move has divided the legal community. Some lawyers have defended it as a form of silent protest against judicial decisions they opposed, while others, including senior advocates, have condemned it as undermining institutional decorum. Former SCBA President Dushyant Dave weighed in, stating that while lawyers may disagree with judgments, the tradition of honoring a judge's service should remain above personal opinions. Justice Trivedi, known for her incisive legal reasoning, has authored significant verdicts on issues ranging from gender justice to environmental protection, making the lack of a formal farewell all the more contentious.  

In response, a group of lawyers and colleagues are reportedly organizing an unofficial event to acknowledge Justice Trivedi's contributions, ensuring her career is celebrated despite the SCBA's stance. The controversy has reignited discussions about the boundaries between professional dissent and institutional respect, with many questioning whether the Bar's actions set a concerning precedent for future retirements. As the legal fraternity reflects on this episode, the incident underscores the delicate balance between criticism and tradition in India's highest judicial institution.