The accidental judge: Justice Bela Trivedi bids adieu to the Gujarat High Court

As Justice Bela Trivedi bid farewell to the Gujarat High Court in view of her recent elevation to the Supreme Court, she spoke of the role played by circumstances and destiny in her journey to the highest Court of the land..Justice Trivedi said, “I have a reason to believe in destiny. I pursued LL.B. without any serious thought of practice, but I became a lawyer. I never wanted to be a judge, that too of a subordinate court, but I became a judge of the City Civil and Sessions Court. I never imagined that today’s event was in store of divine design.”.During her address, the judge emphasised on the importance of the judiciary as one of the three pillars of our institution, our democracy. “'All rights are worth nothing unless they are secured by the judiciary,' said Andrew Jackson. The judiciary is the cornerstone of our institution, standing as a guard.".In response to the praise and accolades she received from Justice Vineet Kothari, Advocate General Kamal Trivedi and Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association President Yatin Oza, Justice Trivedi assured the audience that she would strive to meet their expectations. "Gandhi Ji used to say, there is a higher court than the Court of justice. It is the court of conscience; it supersedes all courts. I assure you I will strive to work up to you expectations.".Justice Trivedi is the first woman from the Gujarat High Court to have been elevated to the Supreme Court, pointed out Justice Kothari. .Justice Kothari, who will serve as Acting Chief Justice of the High Court till September 2, remembered the time he and Justice Trivedi spent together in the Rajasthan High Court and the strength of her justice delivery."In the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Bela’s clarity of thought, application of law and absolutely lack of bias when writing judgements made some whisper 'Mard Judge yahan ek hi hain.' (There is only one male judge here).".Advocate Oza remembered the discipline and grit with which Justice Trivedi ran her courtroom. "We all know that even if you want to seek an adjournment in Your Ladyship's Court, she expects you to know the facts of the case. This shows the standard she holds up.".[Read a Live Account of the farewell ceremony]