Why No Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi?
Despite no official objection from bar associations, Justice Bela Trivedi's farewell was quietly cancelled as she preponed her last working day to May 16. Originally scheduled for May 23, the farewell event was left upheld, raising questions in legal circles.
Verdicto News Desk
No Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi: Breaking Tradition or Miscommunication?
In an unusual departure from judicial tradition, no formal farewell was held for Justice Bela M. Trivedi on her last working day at the Supreme Court of India on May 16, 2025. The absence of a customary send-off has sparked questions and criticism across the legal fraternity.
The Bar Council of India (BCI), in a strongly worded letter, expressed concern over the silence, calling it a “disheartening message” to the judiciary and a breach of long-established institutional respect for retiring judges. BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra emphasized the significance of such ceremonies in honoring judicial service and maintaining tradition.
Amid speculation, Senior Advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani clarified that no resolution was passed by the SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) or SCAORA (Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association) to deny a farewell to Justice Trivedi.
“The farewell was scheduled for May 23. However, Justice Trivedi preponed her last working day to May 16,” Pavani stated.
Justice Trivedi’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished tenure noted for her judgments on constitutional law, gender justice, and institutional integrity. Her early exit, however, appears to have led to logistical misalignment rather than an intentional omission.
As the legal community reflects on the episode, the incident highlights the need for greater transparency and coordination in preserving the dignity of judicial traditions.
