'To Be Part Of Supreme Court Is A Matter Of Pride' : Justice Ashok Bhushan Bids Farewell To SC

Today was the last working day of Justice Ashok Bhushan as a judge of the Supreme Court. He is due to retire on July 4.

As is customary, a farewell reference was organized for Justice Ashok Bhushan at the court of the Chief Justice of India.

Attorney General for India KK Venugopal, the first person to speak at the farewell reference, said it was a "sad day" for the Supreme Court. The Attorney General said that Justice Ashok Bhushan has issued directions to mitigate the sufferings of people during the pandemic, and cited the directions passed by a bench led by him yesterday in the case for providing dry ration, community kitchens etc., for the food security of migrant workers during COVID.

"The loss is going to be great for legal community and judiciary and the population of this country. It is very sad that Justice Ashok Bhushan is leaving us", the AG said.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta said he shared the sentiments of the Attorney General. The SG recalled that Justice Bhushan always had a "gentle smile" on his face during the court hearings.

"The decorum maintained by his lordship in Court, the respect shown for members of the Bar and concern for common man are exemplary. His Lordship will always be missed by the Bar and citizens of this country", the SG said.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said that Justice Ashok Bhushan was "humility personified".

"Justice Bhushan never made any junior lawyer feel that he doesn't know the law, he tried to counsel and guide them of their shortcomings. This humbleness we will miss for all times to come", Vikas Singh said.

"Justice Bhushan in his short stay has left considerable impact for his judgement and his interest in social Justice. He has been a beacon of social Justice and has left a notable mark on constitutional evolution in our country through his legal acumen and juristic vision", Shivaji Jadhav, President of Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association said.

Justice Bhushan had welfarist and humanist approach, says CJI Ramana

The Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said that Justice Bhushan reflected a "welfarist and humanistic approach" in his judgments.

"Justice Bhushan's journey has truly been remarkable, and his journey as legal professional has been marked by many milestones. He has been a valuable colleague. His presence on Bench and Committees I have been a member of has been so reassuring simply because he is first and foremost a great human being. This quality has been found abundant reflection in discharge of his duties. He's been a great value addition to Higher Judiciary.

His judgements stand testimony to his welfarist and humanistic approach. Justice Bhushan will certainly be remembered and thanked for his judicial contribution. I recently saw his interview where he said, 'Judges are only known by their judgements, judgements are the only true criteria to test metal of a Judge'. Justice Bhushan will always be remembered for his judgements", the CJI said.

Justice Bhushan's reply

Justice Bhushan expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the bar for the cooperation extended to him.

"The Bar has been very kind and respectful to me, both inside and outside the Court. I'm of the view that Judgement delivered by a judge can't be called only his contribution, but Bar's contribution is more than the Judge's contribution. I am proudly to be a part of this Supreme Court which has upheld rule of law. To be part of Supreme Court is a matter of great pride.

Bar and Bench are part of two wheels, their relationship is like that of sea and clouds. The Judges come from the sea, and merge in the sea after that. It is the Bar which is nursery of the Judges. Today I pay homage and respectful regard to members of the Bar, both Senior and Junior. Junior members are future of the Supreme Court. SCBA has played it's important role in history of this country.

I thank CJI and my colleagues who have always been kind and affectionate and by their insight I've always been in benefitted in performance of my judicial duties. I express my gratitude to all members of the Bench, the Bar, the Registry and the personal staff", Justice Bhushan said.

It was on May 13, 2016 that Justice Ashok Bhushan was elevated to the Supreme Court. Before that, he was the Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala from August 2014.

He started his legal profession in 1979 by enrolling with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh. Thereafter, started practice on Civil and Original side at Allahabad High Court till the elevation to the Bench.

He has worked as Standing Counsel of Allahabad University, State Mineral Development Corporation Limited and several Municipal Boards, Banks & Education Institutions. He was also elected as Senior Vice-President of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association.

In April 2001, he was made a judge of the Allahabad High Court.

Justice Ashok Bhushan was part of several important judgments in cases related to Ayodhya dispute, Maratha reservation, migrant workers issues, loan moratorium during pandemic, ex-gratia for COVID victims etc. He has rendered several notable judgments settling important points of law in civil, criminal and service fields.