The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a strong appeal to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), urging them to reconsider their decision not to hold a formal farewell for Justice Bela M. Trivedi, who had her last working day on May 16, 2025.
In a letter addressed to SCBA President Kapil Sibal and SCAORA President Vipul Nair, the BCI expressed deep concern over the denial of farewell to a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, calling it a departure from institutional tradition and a potential affront to judicial decorum.
“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,” the BCI stated. “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 letter emphasized that SCBA and SCAORA have historically served as custodians of legal tradition and institutional values. The BCI called on both associations to reaffirm their commitment to those traditions by organizing a farewell befitting Justice Trivedi’s contributions to the judiciary.
“Such a farewell is not merely a matter of protocol but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the traditions, principles, and decorum that define the judicial institution,” the BCI noted. “Institutions are sustained by traditions, and traditions are upheld by the respect we accord to those who serve them with distinction and honor.”
The BCI also highlighted Justice Trivedi’s significant judicial contributions, particularly her decision in the DK Gandhi case, where she held that advocates cannot be held liable under the Consumer Protection Act for alleged deficiency in professional services, affirming that legal professionals must be treated differently from traders or businesspersons.
During the ceremonial bench proceedings on May 16, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Justice BR Gavai—who presided over the session—openly criticized the SCBA’s decision. Justice Gavai stated:
“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… But what has been lost by the Association, the presence of the Full House here vindicates that she is a very, very good judge.”
He acknowledged and appreciated the personal presence of SCBA President Kapil Sibal and Vice President Ms. Srivastava at the farewell despite the association’s official stance.
The BCI concluded by urging both legal bodies to reconsider their decision, underlining that such gestures go beyond formality—they reflect the legal fraternity’s shared commitment to institutional dignity and the recognition of meritorious judicial service.
