A surprising break from tradition in the Indian judiciary led to controversy on Friday as Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai publicly criticised the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for not holding a farewell ceremony for Justice Bela M Trivedi, whose last working day was observed before her official retirement on June 9.
Justice Trivedi is scheduled to travel to the United States for a family wedding, making Friday her final working day on the Supreme Court bench. However, no farewell event was organized by the lawyers’ association, drawing rare but sharp remarks from the Chief Justice.
Tradition Ignored: No Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi
It is customary for the Supreme Court Bar Association to host a formal farewell on the evening of a judge’s last working day. The tradition is a mark of respect for retiring judges and a symbolic gesture of goodwill between the bench and the bar.
However, on May 16, no such event was announced or conducted for Justice Bela M Trivedi, a senior judge with a distinguished tenure on the Supreme Court of India.
Chief Justice Gavai did not mince words, calling the omission a regrettable deviation from established decorum.
“Such a stand ought not to have been taken,” said CJI Gavai from the bench, reflecting his clear disappointment with the SCBA’s conduct.
Justice A G Masih Echoes CJI’s Sentiments
Justice A G Masih, who was seated alongside the Chief Justice, also expressed disapproval over the absence of the farewell. Both judges made their concerns public during court proceedings, adding weight to the gravity of the issue within judicial circles.
Justice Trivedi’s Last Day on the Bench
Although Justice Trivedi is officially retiring on June 9, 2025, her last working day was May 16 due to her scheduled international travel. Over her years of service, she has been known for significant contributions in constitutional, criminal, and service law matters.
Her decisions have helped shape key legal precedents, and she has often been praised for her clarity, independence, and fairness on the bench.
Reactions from the Legal Community
The legal fraternity is divided over the SCBA’s silence. While some senior advocates defended the association citing internal procedural concerns, many others criticized the body for failing to honor a judge who has upheld the integrity and dignity of the court throughout her tenure.
A retired senior advocate, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“Regardless of disagreements, the farewell is a matter of judicial tradition. Not organizing one for a sitting Supreme Court judge tarnishes the image of mutual respect between the bar and the bench.”
Several lawyers also took to social media to voice their opinions, with hashtags like #JusticeTrivedi, #CJIremarks, and #SCBA trending on X (formerly Twitter).
No Official Statement from SCBA Yet
As of this report, the Supreme Court Bar Association has not issued any formal statement explaining the reason behind the decision to skip the farewell event for Justice Trivedi. The silence from the lawyers’ body has only added to the speculation and criticism.
Many legal observers are now calling on the SCBA to clarify its position, suggesting that such symbolic traditions hold vital importance in upholding the decorum of the judiciary.
The Larger Implications
This rare public rebuke by the Chief Justice of India toward the bar reflects growing concerns about the relationship between the bench and the legal community. The Indian judiciary is known for its emphasis on tradition and respect, especially during transitions like retirements.
Justice Bela Trivedi’s farewell—or lack thereof—now serves as a reminder that institutional traditions must be preserved not just in law, but in spirit, especially at the nation’s highest court.