No farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi? Supreme Court judges criticise bar bodies

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih of the Supreme Court on Friday took critical note of the fact that lawyers' bodies at the Supreme Court have apparently decided to refrain from organising an official farewell for retiring judge Justice Bela Trivedi. .The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) conventionally hold farewell ceremonies to bid adieu to Supreme Court judges upon their retirement.However, no such event has been notified as yet by either body to mark the retirement of Justice Trivedi..This did not go unnoticed by judges of the ceremonial bench that sat today to mark Justice Trivedi's last working day at the Supreme Court. CJI Gavai alluded to the same while appreciating SCBA President Kapil Sibal and Vice-President Rachana Srivastava for being present before the ceremonial bench this morning."I am grateful to Mr Sibal and Rachana Srivastava that both of them are here. But the stand taken by the Association (SCBA), I must deprecate openly, because I believe in being plain and straight. On such occasions, such a stand ought not to have been taken by the Association and, therefore, I am openly appreciating Mr. Sibal and Srivastava that despite the resolution of the bodies, they are here. The presence of the full house here fully indicates, the verdict is given, that she is a very, very good judge. There are different types of judges, but that should not be a factor for doing what ought to have done at 4:30 PM today," CJI Gavai said. CJI Gavai added that Justice Trivedi is known for her firmness, fearlessness, hard work, integrity and spirituality. .In his remarks, Justice Masih too joined in expressing that Justice Trivedi ought to have been given a farewell by the bar associations. He also appreciated Justice Trivedi for the affection she has shown as a judge."Strangely enough, as has already been expressed by the Chief, I am sorry, I shouldn't be saying it, but traditions need to be followed and they are to be respected. I am sure good traditions should continue always. I wish sister (Justice Trivedi) all success in life...I am sure she will be a mentor and guide to many," he added. .[Watch the Ceremonial Bench Farewell].[Read Live Coverage]