New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Friday said that he and Justice Abhay S Oka, who retired on Friday, have decided not to accept any post-retirement jobs. The CJI said this in an open court.
To mark Justice Oka's last working day at the apex court, a ceremonial bench comprising CJI Gavai, Justice Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih sat Friday morning following the tradition. Justice Oka officially retires on Saturday. "Both of us have already decided that we will not accept any post-retirement assignments and therefore, we can think of working together (after retirement)," the CJI verbally said. The CJI added that Justice Oka has been his friend for the past four decades.
"He has been a professor of law and ethics within the courtroom. He has always reminded that lawyers are the first officers of the court. Behind his firmness is the dedication of a teacher. His courtroom always encouraged ethical advocacy. What is admirable is the sheer energy with which he worked over these years," the CJI said. He shared that Justice Oka did not even take official accommodation when he became a judge.
Justice Augustine George Masih said that he learnt a lot from Justice Oka, including how to conduct court and deal with members of the bar.
It might be mentioned here that Justice Oka delivered 11 verdicts on his last working day on Friday, hours after his mother passed away. Justice Oka had gone to Mumbai on Thursday to attend the last rites of his mother before returning to Delhi for his final working day on Friday.
To mark Justice Oka's last working day at the apex court, a ceremonial bench comprising CJI Gavai, Justice Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih sat Friday morning following the tradition. Justice Oka officially retires on Saturday. "Both of us have already decided that we will not accept any post-retirement assignments and therefore, we can think of working together (after retirement)," the CJI verbally said. The CJI added that Justice Oka has been his friend for the past four decades.
"He has been a professor of law and ethics within the courtroom. He has always reminded that lawyers are the first officers of the court. Behind his firmness is the dedication of a teacher. His courtroom always encouraged ethical advocacy. What is admirable is the sheer energy with which he worked over these years," the CJI said. He shared that Justice Oka did not even take official accommodation when he became a judge.
Justice Augustine George Masih said that he learnt a lot from Justice Oka, including how to conduct court and deal with members of the bar.
It might be mentioned here that Justice Oka delivered 11 verdicts on his last working day on Friday, hours after his mother passed away. Justice Oka had gone to Mumbai on Thursday to attend the last rites of his mother before returning to Delhi for his final working day on Friday.
