Ceremonial Bench | CJI Gavai Says Justice Oka Will Not Accept Post-Retirement Assignment; Justice Oka Says He Needs Time To Reflect On One More Inning
At a ceremonial bench that sat on the occasion of Justice Abhay S. Oka’s retirement from the Supreme Court of India, heartfelt tributes were paid to him by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih who were on the Bench.
During his speech, CJI Gavai announced that neither he nor Justice Oka would accept any post-retirement assignments by saying, "I will deeply miss his presence at the Supreme Court. But I am happy that exactly six months after, I will also follow him suit. Both of us have already decided that we will not be accepting any post-retirement assignment. And therefore, we can think of working together".
However, in his speech, Justice Oka said, “Today, at least, I am not thinking about playing one more inning. It will take some time for me to reflect upon it.”
Chief Justice Gavai had even earlier said while speaking to the media after taking charge as the CJI that he will not accept any post-retirement job. However, Justice Oka said today that he needs time to think about the same.
Speaking about his four-decade-long association with Justice Oka, Chief Justice Gavai reflected on the gravity of bidding farewell to a colleague he called “an exemplary human being” and “trusted friend.” Recalling their beginnings as lawyers in 1985, he said, “His contributions extend far beyond judgments. They reflect a deep dedication to the Constitution, to fairness, and to the people of this country.”
Justice Oka’s tenure, the CJI noted, has profoundly shaped Indian jurisprudence, especially in areas of environmental protection, government accountability, freedom of expression, and the dignity of labour. “Justice Oka's decisions have consistently reaffirmed core values enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
Gavai emphasized that what made Justice Oka truly remarkable was not just his legal acumen, but his role as a teacher in the courtroom. “He taught lawyers that advocacy is not just about eloquence, but about precision, ethics and sincerity,” he said, highlighting the disciplined yet nurturing environment Justice Oka created for members of the Bar.
In what stood out as a testament to Justice Oka’s discipline and dedication, the CJI shared that even in the wake of personal loss, Justice Oka prioritized his judicial duties. Recounting recent events, he said, “He went yesterday night, travelled throughout the night, attended the funeral and came back again in the evening and started working on the judgments. And delivered 11 judgments.”
CJI Gavai also lauded Justice Oka’s daily commute from Thane to Mumbai during his time as a Judge in the Bombay High Court, and his contributions to legal education, especially in the development of the National Law University at Aurangabad.
On a personal note, he added, “I will deeply miss his presence at the Supreme Court,” while revealing that both he and Justice Oka have decided not to take up post-retirement roles, hinting at collaborative pursuits beyond the judiciary.
Justice Augustine George Masih offered a moving personal account of his time with Justice Oka, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his own judicial journey. “Whatever I would be in the Supreme Court, some contribution, most of it maybe, [is] from what I have learned from him,” he said.
Describing Justice Oka as “stern, firm, but always consistent,” Justice Masih underlined the retired judge’s deep empathy, conscientiousness, and quiet concern for others. “Maybe at times it didn't really reflect. But the heart was… concerned and so touchy at times,” he added.
In a heartfelt appeal, Justice Masih urged Justice Oka to now take time for himself and his family, a sentiment echoed by many lawyers.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Justice Oka admitted he was left “speechless” by the outpouring of affection and admiration. “Today is the first and last day of my judicial career where I have not prevented lawyers from talking,” he quipped, visibly moved by the tributes.
Justice Oka reiterated his unwavering commitment to constitutional liberties. “I believe that this is one court which can uphold the constitutional liberties. And that has been my humble endeavour,” he said, expressing gratitude to colleagues and members of the Bar for shaping his experience on the Bench.
He concluded with humility and grace, “I will always cherish my memories about this court... I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.”
