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The Supreme Court today organised a virtual farewell in the court of Chief Justice NV Ramana to bid adieu to Justice Ashok Bhushan who is due to retire on July 4, 2021. Justice Bhushan was elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 13th May, 2016.

Justice Bhushan was born on 5th July, 1956 in Jaunpur (district), Uttar Pradesh and graduated in Arts in the year 1975. He obtained Law Degree in 1st Division from the Allahabad University in the year 1979.

He was enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh on 6th April, 1979 and started his practice on Civil and Original side at Allahabad High Court till the elevation to the Bench. 

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. He also served as Chairman, Higher Judicial Service Committee and headed several other committees. 

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

The virtual event was attended by the bench of Hon’ble Chief Justice NV Ramana, Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice Hrishikesh Roy, Justice AS Bhushan. 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 were also present at the farewell organised virtually. 

Learned Attorney General of India Shri KK Venugopal was the first to address the gathering. 

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta while sharing Attorney's sentiments said, “There are very few instances when we like even if we lose. The concern for the bar by the court is exemplary. I wish your lordship a very good health & life ahead.”

“I’d offer my condolences to Justice Bhushan for the loss of his mother. Justice Bhushan never made any junior lawyer feel that he doesn't know law. He was “humility personified”.This kind of humbleness does not come. This is one part which I feel very very strongly. This gives encouragement to members of the bar," said President, Supreme Court Bar Association and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh. 

Shivaji Jadhav, President of SCORA while offering his condolences for the loss of Justice Bhushan’s mother said, “Justice Bhushan has left an impact in the judiciary. Lordship has been part of several constitutional benches. He has been a beacon of social justice & has left a mark. Some notable cases have been problems & miseries of migrant labourers. This decision has far reaching effects on the justice system . Justice Bhushan has passed several orders. I bid a warm farewell.”

Hon’ble Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said that, “Justice Bhushan’s journey has truly been remarkable. He has spent nearly two decades delivering justice in Constitutional Courts. His journey as a legal professional is marked by many milestones.

Justice Bhushan has always been a valuable colleague. His presence on the Bench and on the Committees that I am a member of, has been so very reassuring. Simply because, he is, first and foremost, a great human being. This quality has found abundant reflection in discharge of his duties – both while facing and adorning the Bench.”

“Justice Bhushan has been a great value addition to the higher judiciary. Successive Chief Justices have underlined this fact by entrusting him with adjudicating the most complicated matters, often through Constitution Benches. His judgments stand testimony to his welfarist and humanist approach. His concern for the welfare of every section of the society is reflected in his opinions and writings. Justice Bhushan will certainly be remembered and thanked for his judicial contributions," CJI further said.

Expressing his gratitude for the kind words spoken for him by all the members presented at the Virtual Farewell, Justice Ashok Bhushan said that he was proud to be a part of the Supreme Court which has upheld the Country’s democracy.

“I'm grateful to everyone for the kind words that were spoken for me. Bar has been kind both inside & outside the court. I'm of the view that judgement is delivered by a judge. Bar’s contribution is more. I'm proud to be part of the SC & this has upheld the democracy of this country. I find myself too small. Bar & Bench are part of two wheels. Today I pay my homage & regards to members of the bar. Junior members are the future of the Court. I wish all the best to the bar. On this day I express my gratitude to all members of the bar bench & all my personal staff," said Justice Ashok Bhushan.

Justice Ashok Bhushan has been a part of many landmark judgements of national importance some of them being the recently delivered judgement on payment of ex gratia amount to the family members of those who succumbed to CoVID, Ayodhya dispute, Maratha Reservation, migrant workers issue etc.