Today, On 16th May, Lawyers praised Justice Bela Trivedi for never yielding to popular sentiment. During her farewell, CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih commended her strong work ethic, discipline, and deep legal acumen while seated on the ceremonial bench.
New Delhi: Senior lawyers of the Supreme Court gathered in courtroom 1 to honor Justice Bela Trivedi on her final working day. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih, who sat with Justice Trivedi on the ceremonial bench, praised her work ethic and legal expertise.
CJI Gavai remarked,
“I have seen her personally when her father was ailing. She used to go to Ahmedabad on the weekends and come back and attend court on Monday morning,”
In a pointed reference to critics of Justice Trivedi’s firm handling of cases, the CJI noted that the presence of numerous Bar members, including Bar leaders, reflects the respect she commands within the legal community. Solicitor General of India (SG) Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, often seen as adversaries in court, united in their admiration for Justice Trivedi’s steadfastness against public opinion.
Also Read: No Farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi !! | “I Must Deprecate Openly”: CJI Gavai Slams SCBA
SG Mehta stated,
“Our Ladyship has never moulded the relief to suit popular sentiment. This needs courage of conviction and courage to displease people. We have lost many matters here and in Gujarat but the respect remains. Our respect and love for the judge is not contingent upon the orders passed. In every court, some individuals feel that their word should be the last word but in your court it was always the last word of law,”
Sibal added,
“I endorse what the learned Solicitor General said. I do not think any judge of this Court bows down to popular sentiment and if they do, then it is totally unacceptable. Your Ladyship has drawn the lines and whenever you granted relief, you did it on the right side of justice,”
Attorney General for India (AG) R. Venkataramani highlighted Justice Trivedi’s unique experience serving on the Executive side as Law Secretary.
He noted,
“That is a rare combination. Firmness is a part of an institutional premise,”
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra remarked,
“Wherever the hammer fell, it fell evenly.”
The attendees also emphasized the need for greater representation of women on the Bench. Sibal pointed out that Justice Trivedi was only the tenth woman judge in the Court’s 75-year history.
AG Venkataramani added,
“Like all women judges, you too have a tough mind with gentleness. More women judges will make this court very different,”
The courtroom was filled with women lawyers, many of whom spoke to the ceremonial bench. Senior Advocate Rachana Srivastava praised Justice Trivedi as an inspiration.
Srivastava said,
“You stood by what you thought was correct. Though you have been strict, when we requested you, you did accede. The presence of so many ladies shows that you are an inspiration for us. Please continue to inspire us,”
Senior Advocate Pinky Anand discussed the significance of having women on the Bench.
She observed,
“The narrative that your ladyship has done for the Court, and for the ladies, in general … this section appreciates the narrative change that your ladyship has done – from ‘man to woman’ to ‘man with woman’ – that we think, is looking forward,”
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Archana Pathak Dave expressed,
“All of us are inspired by your hard work, your courage, your grit. The way I see it, there is no male or woman judge when you sit there. That showed when you held on to the first principles. Thank you for being there, for inspiring us, and we all wish you a very happy, healthy life ahead,”
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora commended Justice Trivedi for her steadfastness in her convictions, noting the courage it takes to do so.
She added,
“There is nothing like a male judge or female judge in this Court. We do not come here to take advantage because we are women; we come as equals. You established that there is no distinction here; we come here for our merits, treated at par with all our colleagues,”
Senior Advocates Vibha Datta Makhija and V Mohana also expressed their gratitude to Justice Trivedi. “You have always conducted court without fear or favour,”
Senior Advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani observed.
Also Read: JUSTICE BELA M. TRIVEDI
ASG Aishwarya Bhati shared her appreciation,
“I want to pay my salute to a very firm, fearless, honest judge of this court, who was very kind to me in my time of grief and told me to stand up and keep working. I am so grateful; the nation is indebted to you.”
Concluding the ceremonial proceedings, a visibly emotional Justice Trivedi reflected,
“In these 30 years I have always spoken through my judgments and I have always pronounced the operative part in court. This will be my last working day. I have taken on many responsibilities… I have always worked based on my inner conscience. I have been harsh, but the paramount consideration always has been the institution and nothing else… I am grateful to have been a part of this journey and this institution.”