CJI Slams SCBA For Not Holding Justice Bela Trivedi Farewell

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Friday criticised the stand taken by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in not offering a farewell to retiring judge Justice Bela M Trivedi.

- MPOST BUREAU

NEW DELHI:

Presiding over a ceremonial bench comprising Justices Trivedi and Augustine George Masih held to honour Justice Trivedi, the 11th woman judge to be elevated to the Supreme Court in its 75-year-old history, who demitted office on Friday, Justice BR Gavai said he "deprecated openly" the stand taken by the SCBA.

"The stand taken by the Association, I must deprecate openly because I believe in being plain and straight," he said.

"On such an occasion, such a stand-out not to have been taken by the Association," he said.

Chief Justice Gavai, however, appreciated the presence of the SCBA President Kapil Sibal and Vice President Rachna Srivastava in the ceremonial bench proceedings.

"I am grateful to Kapil Sibal and Rachna Srivastava. Both of them are here... Despite the resolution of their bodies, they are here. But what has been lost by the Association, the presence of the Full House here, vindicates that she is a very, very good judge. There are different types of judges, but that should not be a factor to deny what ought

To have been granted," he have been granted," he added.

Chief Justice Gavai said that Justice Trivedi has always been "fair" and is known for her "hard work and integrity". Similar sentiments were echoed by Justice Masih. "Strangely enough, as has already been expressed by the chief (CJI), I feel sorry, but I must say that traditions need to be followed, and they are to be respected. I am sure good traditions should always continue," Justice Masih said.