The Bar Council of India (BCI) has called upon the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) to reconsider their decision not to host a farewell ceremony for outgoing Supreme Court judge, Justice Bela M Trivedi.

In a letter addressed to the Presidents and Secretaries of both associations, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra expressed concern over the break from long-standing tradition. He warned that such a move may inadvertently send a discouraging message to the judiciary and the wider legal fraternity.

“By reversing this decision, SCBA and SCAORA would reaffirm their roles as dignified guardians of institutional values and decorum, setting an example for lawyers, law students, and citizens,” the letter states.

The issue also came up during a ceremonial bench hearing earlier in the day, where Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice AG Masih acknowledged their concern over the apparent decision to skip the customary farewell for Justice Trivedi.

Farewell functions hosted by SCBA and SCAORA have traditionally marked the retirement of Supreme Court judges, serving as a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. However, no such event has been announced yet for Justice Trivedi.

Highlighting her contributions, Mishra praised Justice Trivedi for embodying “judicial fortitude and moral rectitude” throughout her tenure. He commended her commitment to fairness, accountability, and ethical integrity, noting her resilience in upholding the rule of law amid challenging circumstances.

"Such a farewell is not merely ceremonial,” he added, “but a reaffirmation of our collective respect for the values and individuals that uphold the dignity of our judicial institutions.”

Mishra urged the two premier legal bodies to revisit their stance and uphold the tradition that honors the service of distinguished judges upon their retirement.