The farewell ceremony for Justice Bela M. Trivedi has sparked controversy within the Supreme Court and the Bar Council of India. On 16/05/2025, the Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai (CJI) openly expressed his disapproval of the Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) decision to not offer a farewell for the retiring judge. However, despite the association’s official stance, SCBA President Kapil Sibal and Vice President Rachna Srivastava attended the ceremony, a gesture that was appreciated by the CJI and the BCI.

Subsequent to the statement of CJI in the ceremonial bench hearing, the BCI has written an open letter addressed to the President of SCBA Kapil Sibal and President of SCAORA Vipul Nair, urging them to reconsideration of farewell for Hon'ble Justice Bela М. Trived.

“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. 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.” records the letter.

Recalling the landmark judgment in the D.K. Gandhi case, the letter highlights Justice Trivedi’s unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and noted that “...throughout her tenure, Justice Trivedi has been a symbol of judicial fortitude and moral rectitude.”

The Bar Council of India reiterated that both the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) have historically demonstrated a strong sense of institutional responsibility. It asserted that by reconsidering their decision to forgo a farewell for Justice Bela Trivedi, the associations would reaffirm their standing as esteemed custodians of tradition and integrity and thereby setting a meaningful example for law students, lawyers and citizens.

Ultimately, BCI earnestly requested both the bodies to reconsider such a decision.

“In light of the above, it is earnestly requested that the Supreme Court Bar Association and SCAORA reconsider its decision and organize a farewell to appropriately honor Justice Bela Trivedi's exemplary service to the judiciary. Such a gesture will not only preserve our traditions but also reaffirm our enduring respect for the bench and the bar alike.”

BCI Letter