The Bar Council of India (BCI) has called upon the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association (SCAORA) to reconsider their decision and organize an official farewell ceremony for Justice Bela Trivedi, who completed her last working day on May 16.
In an official letter addressed to SCBA President Kapil Sibal and SCAORA President Vipul Nair, the BCI emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional values and traditions. The letter expressed concern over the denial of a farewell to a judge of such high stature, stating:
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“The denial of a farewell to a judge of such stature raises questions about the institutional values that we, as a collective body of legal professionals, stand for. To ignore her contributions and deny her the respect she rightfully deserves is to diminish the very principles of equity, fairness, and integrity that Justice Trivedi has ardently upheld throughout her illustrious career.”
The BCI further highlighted that both SCBA and SCAORA have been longstanding pillars of the legal fraternity, known for their leadership, wisdom, and sense of responsibility. It urged these bodies to uphold their tradition of honoring judicial service, stating that such a gesture would serve as a symbol of respect for the judiciary.
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The letter underlined that a farewell is not just a ceremonial event but a reflection of the respect and gratitude that the legal community owes to its distinguished members. It urged SCBA and SCAORA to:
“Reconsider their decision as a gesture of institutional respect and gratitude for her notable contributions to the judiciary.”
The BCI also referenced Justice Trivedi’s significant contribution in the DK Gandhi case, where she held that advocates cannot be held liable under the Consumer Protection Act, distinguishing professionals from those engaged in trade and business.
During the ceremonial bench proceedings on Justice Trivedi’s last working day, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai openly criticized the SCBA’s decision not to offer a farewell. While acknowledging the presence of SCBA President Kapil Sibal and Vice President at the ceremony, he expressed his disappointment:
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“The stand taken by the Association, I must deprecate openly, because I believe in being plain and straight. On such an occasion, such a stand ought not to have been taken by the Association.”
The CJI’s remarks and the BCI’s letter have sparked a broader discussion on the importance of maintaining institutional respect and honoring the contributions of eminent judges.
