Justice Bela M Trivedi's Unconventional Farewell Sparks Controversy
Controversy swirls within the Supreme Court over a perceived slight during Justice Bela M Trivedi's farewell, with Chief Justice Gavai publicly criticizing the SCBA - Exploring Justice Trivedi's significant tenure and notable rulings.
Justice Bela M Trivedi, India's 11th female judge on the Supreme Court, stepped down in May 2025, leaving a heels-on-the-ground legacy behind. But her exit was overshadowed by an unprecedented event - a lack of a traditional farewell ceremony. In a departure from norms, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) opted not to organize such an event, prompting stern criticism from the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai.
On her final day, Chief Justice Gavai, speaking candidly from the ceremonial bench, voiced his disappointment over the SCBA's decision, stating, "This court is a kaleidoscope of legal luminaries, and you, Justice Trivedi, are one of its radiant stars. Your absence will leave a void. The stand taken by the Association, while I respect their independence, is regrettable."
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President, Kapil Sibal, was full of admiration for Justice Trivedi, praising her trailblazing journey in the male-dominated legal field. "You are a testament to the grit and determination needed to succeed in this institution. In a nation that has seen one lady judge every seven odd years in its 75-year history, you are a beacon of hope for those aspiring to follow in your footsteps," he said.
With a Legal Roots Run Deep
Born on June 10, 1960, in Patan, North Gujarat, Trivedi found her calling in the law. Hailing from a family steeped in legal roots, her father being a judge in the City Civil and Sessions Court, Trivedi followed in her father's footsteps, making history as a judge at the same court, an event documented in the Limca Book of Records in 1996.
Trivedi began her career as a lawyer, practicing in the Gujarat High Court for about ten years before her judicial appointments. In July 1995, she was appointed as a judge of the City Civil and Sessions Court in Ahmedabad. After a distinguished career as a judge in the Gujarat High Court, she was elevated to the Supreme Court on August 31, 2021, as part of a groundbreaking cohort of nine judges, three of whom were women.
Trivedi's tenure on the top court is marked by her participation in several landmark constitutional rulings, one of which included upholding the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) by a 3:2 majority in November 2022. Another significant case saw her serve on a seven-judge Constitution Bench, which, in August 2024, ruled 6:1 in favor of states sub-classifying Scheduled Castes to ensure benefits for the most backward among them. Trivedi, however, dissented with a detailed 85-page judgment, arguing that only Parliament has the authority to alter the SC list.
As the curtain falls on Justice Trivedi's career, her contemporary and trailblazing journey stands as a testament to her deep commitment to justice and the law.
- News headlines from the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors might highlight debates surrounding the lack of a traditional farewell ceremony for Justice Bela M Trivedi, focusing on Chief Justice BR Gavai's disagreement with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Kapil Sibal's praise for Trivedi's trailblazing effects on the female-dominated legal field.
- In the finance and sports-betting world, commentators might examine the potential impact of Justice Trivedi's dissent in the case of states sub-classifying Scheduled Castes, arguing that it could lead to changes in the implementation and interpretation of affirmative action policies when evaluating Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and other underrepresented groups.
- Defi, a sector heavily focused on the intersection of finance and technology, could discuss the implications of Trivedi's tech-savvy, forward-thinking approach to lawmaking, as she recognized and embraced the importance of digital platforms and data-driven solutions in the legal landscape.
- Lastly, sports and sports-betting enthusiasts might draw parallels between Trivedi's relentless pursuit of justice and the grit and determination required to succeed in various sports, especially notable for her as a woman in a male-dominated field, embodying the spirit of resilience admired by sports figures everywhere.
