Justice Bela M. Trivedi Retires: Marking the End of a Trailblazing Judicial Career
The eleventh woman to serve on the Supreme Court of India’s bench, Justice Bela M. Trivedi, retired on May 16, 2025, leaving a legacy of audacious rulings, constitutional understanding, and important contributions to Indian jurisprudence. Her retirement is the end of an incredible journey that started in Gujarat’s trial courts three decades ago.
Why It Matters
Justice Trivedi’s tenure on the Supreme Court, though relatively brief—just over three and a half years—was rich in judicial value. She played a key role in shaping verdicts related to constitutional interpretation, child safety laws, affirmative action, and insolvency frameworks. Her departure is seen as a moment of reflection on the strides made in gender inclusion within the judiciary and the evolving profile of the Indian judge.
Pioneering Journey Through the Judiciary
Justice Bela M. Trivedi embarked on her judicial career in 1995 when she took charge as a judge at the City Civil and Sessions Court in Ahmedabad. Her rise through the judicial ranks was distinctive—progressing from a trial court judge to the highest court of the country, a path rarely taken in India’s judicial system.
She practiced law in the Gujarat High Court for about a decade and later took on administrative roles, including Registrar (Vigilance) and Law Secretary in the Gujarat government. In 2011, she was promoted to serve as a judge at the Gujarat High Court. After some time, she was transferred to the Rajasthan High Court, where she continued her judicial work.
She then returned to the Gujarat High Court in 2016. Throughout these years, she gained important experience not only in handling court cases but also in managing administrative responsibilities within the judiciary. This varied exposure helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of the legal system. In August 2021, she was appointed to the Supreme Court as part of a historic batch of nine new judges—three of whom were women, marking a landmark in gender representation.
Notable Judgments and Legal Impact
Justice Trivedi’s contribution to Indian law can be seen in several significant rulings:
- EWS Reservation (2022): She was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), confirming its constitutionality and distinction from other affirmative action policies.
- Scheduled Castes Sub-Categorisation (2024): In a key case allowing state governments to create sub-categories within Scheduled Castes for reservation benefits, she delivered a notable dissent, expressing reservations about permitting such internal divisions within constitutionally recognized categories.
- POCSO Act Interpretation (2021): Justice Trivedi played a central role in reversing the controversial “skin-to-skin” ruling, asserting that sexual intent and any physical contact, regardless of skin contact, constitute an offense under the POCSO Act.
- Insolvency and Property Attachment: She held that state laws aimed at protecting depositors could proceed with property attachments even during a moratorium under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This ruling clarified the interplay between central economic laws and state-level protective legislation.
- Banke Bihari Temple Corridor (2025): In one of her final decisions, she cleared the way for the Uttar Pradesh government’s corridor project for the historic Banke Bihari temple in Mathura, emphasizing both development and preservation.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Justice Trivedi’s path to the Supreme Court broke several conventional molds. She was listed in the Limca Book of Records for being part of a father-daughter duo serving as judges in the same court. Her journey from the lower judiciary to the apex court is especially significant in a system where most judges are elevated from senior positions in High Courts or from the Bar.
Her presence on the Supreme Court bench contributed to a growing yet still underrepresented group of women judges. As the 11th woman to serve in the Court’s 75-year history, she has been a visible figure in promoting gender diversity within the Indian judiciary.
Legacy and Influence
Justice Bela Trivedi’s legal philosophy combined strict adherence to constitutional values with a progressive outlook on social issues. She consistently emphasized the role of courts in protecting the vulnerable, particularly women, children, and marginalized communities. Her judgments reflect both legal clarity and sensitivity to ground realities, particularly in matters involving reservation policies, social justice, and fundamental rights.
Moreover, her presence highlighted the possibilities for vertical mobility within the judiciary—from trial court to Supreme Court—setting a precedent for aspiring judges from lower courts. Her career serves as a model of merit, perseverance, and legal integrity.
