During the farewell, Justice Oka expressed heartfelt emotions and reflected on his judicial journey with humility and sincerity.
New Delhi – On May 24, 2025, the Supreme Court of India witnessed an emotional farewell to Justice Abhay S Oka, the third senior-most judge of the apex court.
ALSO READ: Justice Abhay S Oka: “A Judge Should Be Able to Offend”
Justice Oka, known for his unwavering dedication to constitutional values, delivered 11 judgments on his last working day, just a day after his mother’s passing. His deep commitment to duty was praised by judges, senior advocates, and bar leaders alike.
During the farewell, Justice Oka expressed heartfelt emotions and reflected on his judicial journey with humility and sincerity.
Speaking from the ceremonial bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s successor, CJI B R Gavai, and alongside Justice Augustine George Masih, he said:
“I believe that this is the one court (Supreme Court) which can uphold the constitutional liberties, and that this has been my humble endeavor, and I am sure that the collective efforts will be made, this court will continue to uphold liberty, because that was the dream of the framers of the Constitution, and it was my honest endeavor to do that.”
Justice Oka’s farewell came a day before his official retirement date, May 24, which fell on a court holiday. His retirement concluded a distinguished career of over two decades in the judiciary, which included his roles as a judge in the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and later his elevation to the Supreme Court on August 31, 2021.
CJI Gavai, in his tribute, fondly remembered his longtime association with Justice Oka. He praised his friend’s dedication to justice and values, stating:
“Justice Oka’s contributions transcend judicial pronouncements. He was a teacher in court, reminding the bar that lawyers are officers of the court first.”
He also mentioned their shared decision not to accept any post-retirement assignments, saying:
“Like me, Justice Oka, too wouldn’t be taking up any post-retirement assignments offering them more time to connect with each other.”
Justice Oka was visibly touched by the glowing tributes paid by his colleagues, bar leaders, and senior advocates. In a rare display of emotion, he said:
“I must confess, after hearing all that is said for last one hour and 20 minutes, I am speechless, and perhaps today is the first and last day of my professional career where I have not prevented anyone from talking, because I could not stop. I have seen such a great love and affection for me by the members of the bar that made me speechless.”
Speaking about his strict approach in court, Justice Oka said that being a judge often requires tough decisions.
He recounted a piece of advice from a senior judge:
“I remember a great judge whose name I would not disclose, but he had advised me that please remember one thing, we are not becoming judges to become popular. And I followed that advice.”
He added:
“I was very harsh on lawyers and it was only for one reason that I wanted to uphold the principles laid down in the Constitution.”
Using a cricket metaphor to describe his career, he said:
“Everyone talked about my second innings or the third innings. When I was listening to this, I always thought that while sitting on the bench, I always believed, since you are using cricketing terminology, I am taking a request that I play like a one day match, and in one day match, there is no second inning.”
He concluded with a full heart:
“My heart is full with whatever are said here, and I am really rendered speechless today.”
“I have only served here for three years and nine months, but I will always carry these memories in my heart.”
Justice Augustine George Masih shared his deep admiration, saying:
“He was stern, firm, but deeply caring. His presence in chambers, our private conversations. I will miss those most.”
The Chief Justice highlighted the late-night travel and commitment Justice Oka showed despite his personal tragedy:
“Just two days ago, he lost his mother. He travelled overnight to attend her funeral, returned, and still managed to deliver 11 judgments the next day.”
Attorney General R Venkataramani appreciated Justice Oka’s impact on constitutional values:
“Justice Oka’s verdicts plowed values of liberty and accountability into the bedrock of our constitutional discourse.”
“Your court gave everyone a fair hearing. None walked away unheard.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also applauded him:
“Your dedication, even after an irreparable personal loss, has taught us what duty truly means.”
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal paid a powerful tribute, connecting Justice Oka’s work to the core of the Constitution:
“Liberty is the thread that binds our Constitution, and Justice Oka will be remembered for holding that thread firmly. You are part of the legacy that includes the likes of Justice Khanna and the spirit of Kesavananda Bharati.”
SCBA President Vikas Singh also expressed his appreciation:
“We never left your court feeling unheard. Justice was always done.”
Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka began his legal journey in Thane, working under his father, advocate Shreeniwas W Oka. After gaining valuable experience under leading lawyers and making notable appearances in public interest litigations, he was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003. He later served as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in 2019 before being elevated to the Supreme Court.
