S A Bobde ends his Chief Justice duties 'satisfied', feels he did his best

He decided several key cases during his tenure including the Ayodhya verdict

Outgoing Chief Justice of India S A Bobde on Friday said he would leave with happiness, and fond memories of wonderful arguments, excellent presentation, good behaviour and a great commitment to the cause of justice not only from my colleagues but also from the Bar.

Sitting on the bench on his last working day, Chief Justice said, “I did my best. I don’t know how it came across, but I am happy about what I could do.”

He added, “I hand over the baton to Justice N V Ramana who, I am certain, will very ably lead the court.” Justice Ramana would over as the Chief Justice of India on April 24.

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Recalling his experience of virtual hearing, CJI Bobde said, “There are many disadvantages of hearings through video-conferencing but that was the need of the hour. But hearing you (lawyers’) in virtual mode, made me feel like taking a tour of your chambers without physically visiting them.”

The court began taking up cases in March 2020 through virtual mode after the lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19.

As lawyers appeared virtually before the court, he said he saw hills behind a few; painting and sculptures behind some others; and also, guns and pistols in the background of some lawyers.

Chief Justice, sharing bench with CJI-designate Ramana and Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, said, "this last hearing has evoked mixed feelings."

"I have been on the ceremonial bench before, but these feelings are too mixed to allow me to say anything clearly. There are too many things to say," he said.

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He, however, added, “But, I must say that I leave this court with happiness, and with fond memories.

Attorney General KK Venugopal, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Vikas Singh and president of the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association Shivaji M Jadhav were present during the proceedings.

Venugopal commended Chief Justice Bobde for rising to occasion and seamlessly allowing virtual hearing when the pandemic struck India. Mehta said Justice Bobde was a decent human being with a rare and amazing sense of humour.