Council Urges SCBA to Hold Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi, CJI Gavai Criticizes Silence
In an unusual development, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has asked the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association to reconsider their decision to not hold an official farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi.
Justice Trivedi’s last working day at the Supreme Court was on May 16, 2025, although she officially retires on June 9. The absence of a customary farewell ceremony has triggered concern among senior members of the legal community, including the Chief Justice of India.
BCI Chairman Writes to SCBA
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra wrote a letter to the SCBA President expressing disappointment over the lack of farewell for Justice Trivedi. He emphasized that such events are more than tradition — they are a mark of respect for a judge’s service.
“Such occasions have historically symbolized institutional respect for retiring judges. Ignoring this tradition sends a discouraging message to the judiciary and legal community,” the letter stated.
Mishra urged SCBA to reconsider and honor the long-standing tradition by organizing a farewell for Justice Trivedi.
Justice Trivedi’s Last Day
Although her official retirement date is June 9, Justice Trivedi's last working day was May 16 as she is traveling to the United States to attend a family function. Traditionally, a retiring judge sits with the Chief Justice of India in a ceremonial bench on their last working day, followed by a farewell event hosted by SCBA.
However, for unknown reasons, no farewell was held by the SCBA on May 16.
CJI Gavai Criticizes the Decision
During the ceremonial bench, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud was not present. Instead, CJI B.R. Gavai, who presided over the bench, openly criticized the SCBA’s decision not to organize a farewell.
“I believe in speaking plainly. The Association ought not to have taken such a stand,” CJI Gavai said in court.
He appreciated SCBA President and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, along with Vice-President Rachna Srivastava, for attending the ceremonial sitting despite the association’s decision.
“I am grateful to Mr. Sibal and Ms. Srivastava for being here. But I must openly say that the association’s silence on such an occasion is disappointing,” he added.
Support from the Bench
Justice Augustine George Masih also supported CJI Gavai’s remarks. He said that traditions should be upheld and respected, especially in the judiciary.
“Traditions must continue. They reflect our values and institutional integrity,” Justice Masih stated.
Why It Matters
Farewell ceremonies are a vital part of judicial culture in India. They offer a chance for the legal fraternity to express gratitude to retiring judges and maintain the decorum of the institution. Skipping such a ceremony for a sitting Supreme Court judge is seen by many as a break from tradition and a potential setback for judicial collegiality.
No Official Reason Yet
As of now, neither the SCBA nor the Advocates-on-Record Association has provided any official explanation for their decision not to organize the farewell for Justice Trivedi. The silence continues to raise questions across legal circles.
Final Words
With senior voices like CJI Gavai and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra speaking out, pressure is now mounting on the SCBA to rectify the situation. Whether or not a belated farewell is held remains to be seen, but the controversy has brought much-needed attention to the importance of maintaining judicial traditions with dignity and respect.