Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai publicly criticized the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for not holding a customary farewell ceremony for retiring Supreme Court judge Justice Bela M. Trivedi. The decision was called regrettable and a departure from tradition. Justice AG Masih also voiced his concern over the SCBA's decision.
CJI Gavai expressed his disapproval during a ceremonial bench held to honor Justice Trivedi, who chose May 16, 2025, as her last working day, though her official retirement date is June 9, 2025. She is retiring early to attend a family function in the United States. CJI Gavai stated, "I believe in speaking straightly, the Association ought not to have taken such a stand". He did, however, acknowledge the presence of SCBA President Kapil Sibal and Vice President Rachna Srivastava at the ceremonial bench proceedings. He also said, "I must deprecate openly, because I believe in being plain and straight. The association ought not to have taken such a stand".
Justice Masih echoed the CJI's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of following and respecting traditions. He remarked, "Strangely enough, as already expressed by the Chief Justice, I feel sorry, but I must say traditions need to be followed and respected. Good traditions should always continue". He added, "But what has been lost by the Association, the presence of the full house here fully vindicates, and 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 denying what ought to have been granted at 4.30 pm today".
The Bar Council of India (BCI) also requested the SCBA and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) to reconsider their decision against holding a farewell ceremony for Justice Trivedi. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said that such events are a hallmark of institutional respect and recognition for the services rendered by retiring judges. He warned that refusing to accord a farewell disrupts long-established traditions and sends a disheartening message to the judicial and legal community.
Several lawyers expressed their appreciation for Justice Trivedi during the ceremonial bench proceedings. Attorney General R Venkataramani described her as a firm judge. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta lauded her for never molding relief to suit popular sentiment and for having the courage and conviction to displease people. Kapil Sibal added that no judge should bow down to popular sentiment and should administer justice correctly.
Justice Trivedi's career includes serving as the 11th woman judge of the Supreme Court. She was appointed directly as Judge, City Civil and Sessions Court at Ahmedabad on July 10, 1995. She was elevated to the Gujarat High Court on February 17, 2011.
The reason for the SCBA's unusual decision to not hold a farewell remains unclear. However, it is believed that some members of the legal fraternity were not happy with some of her recent rulings. Notably, she ordered a CBI probe into allegations that a fake petition had been filed in the Supreme Court using a forged vakalatnama. Despite pressure from bar leaders to be lenient on the implicated lawyers, Justice Trivedi refused and dismissed their apologies. Justice Trivedi also reportedly lamented that the bar was pressuring her not to pass an order against fellow lawyers. She is also perceived to be reluctant in granting bail and has voiced disagreement with pro-liberty judgments of other benches in ED matters.
