Read Time: 10 minutes

The President and Executive Members of the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association today organised a farewell function for Hon'ble Justice Ashok Bhushan who would retire on July 3, 2021. 

He was elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 13th May, 2016. 

Justice Bhushan worked as Standing Counsel of Allahabad University, State Mineral Development Corporation Limited and several Municipal Boards, Banks & Education Institutions.  He was elected as Senior Vice-President of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association and elevated as permanent Judge of the Allahabad High Court on 24th April, 2001 and also served as Chairman, Higher Judicial Service Committee and headed several other committees. 

On July 10, 2104, he was sworn in as Judge of the High Court of Kerala and took charge as Acting Chief Justice on August 1, 2014 and thereafter on March 26, 2015 sworn in as Chief Justice.

The virtual farewell organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association was attended by Attorney General of India Shri KK Venugopal, Solicitor General of India Shri Tushar Mehra, President of Supreme Court Bar Association and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh and members of Supreme Court Advocate on Record Association. Justice Ashok Bhushan and his family members were also present at the virtual farewell. Hon'ble Chief Justice of India NV Ramana had also agreed to preside.

The event started with a welcome address delivered by Supreme Court Bar Association Vice President and Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai. 

“Justice Bhushan is a very soft spoken, wonderful leader of the bar. None of the junior lawyers left empty handed from his court. He has been very firm with his strong conviction,” said Vice President, SCBA Pradeep Rai.

Learned Attorney General of India Shri KK Venugopal while bidding adieu to Justice Bhushan began his address by highlighting the five qualities of a Judge as laid down by Chief Justice of Australia.

“1st is integrity. So far as Justice Ashok Bhushan is concerned there is no doubt in his case. 3rd is legal knowledge. I don't have to say anything more.  4th is patience & 5th is common sense which he acc to me possesses in abundance. The Chief Justice missed Compassion. This is one of the most important qualities,” said AG KK Venugopal. 

“What Justice Bhusan will be remembered for his compassion which he has always had. I saw on TV migrants walking since they had no choice. But the Supreme Court came to their rescue & Justice Bhushan with his compassion directed the govt to run community kitchens,” he further added. 

Highlighting on the fact that Justice Bhushan was fond of MotiChur Ladoo and Gulab Jamun and wishing that he always maintains a sweet tooth, President of Supreme Court Bar Association and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh in his address said that the judgements delivered by Justice Ashok Bhushan always reflected upon the empathy he had for marginalised labourers. 

Hon’ble Chief Justice of India NV Ramana in his address put forth a famous German saying which goes, “Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell," and said that he had mixed feelings. 

“I am sad that I am losing the companionship of a great colleague and his support. I am happy that he will be beginning a new chapter in his life. In fact, I am delighted to see a beaming Justice Bhushan in the company of members of his family,” said CJI.

“It is Justice Bhushan’s philosophy which sets him apart from everyone else. Justice Bhushan, with his remarkable judgments, has not only left an indelible mark in the history of the Indian Judiciary, but by virtue of being a humanist judge has also left a mark in the minds and hearts of the people of India,” CJI further added. 

Expressing his gratitude towards the members of the Bar for organising the farewell Justice Ashok Bhushan said that he was really grateful for the love that was showered on him  during his tenure as Judge of Supreme Court of India. 

“Justice should be tempered with mercy but mercy is not equated with Justice. I can say with truth that it had always been my endeavour to enhance the reputation of this court. No man could have asked for more. I always see the judiciary as a temple of justice. Lawyers and judges are the flesh & blood of this Court,” Justice Bhushan also said. 

The virtual event concluded with Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai presenting a memento virtually to Justice Ashok Bhushan. 

Also Read: “Junior Members Of Bar Are Judiciary’s Future”: Justice Ashok Bhushan Bids Farewell To Supreme Court