Justice Ashok Bhushan retires, says he was true to his duties
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court judge Ashok Bhushan, who will retire on July 4, said he was sure that he has been true to his oath while dispensing verdicts during his tenure as a judge. He was giving a speech at a virtual farewell organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Justice Bhushan said he could claim with full conviction that he had delivered his duties that fear or favour, and affection or ill-will had not affected him at any point of time while delivering justice upholding the Constitution and the laws.
Underlying the importance of giving suitable remedy as an obligation of the judges beyond discretion, he said the justice must be tempered with mercy but justice cannot be substituted for mercy. The power of the court will remain intact as long as it protects and enforcement of Constitutional rights and freedom, he said.
Speaking at the function, the Attorney General for India, KK Venugopal said Bhushan's verdicts helped to mitigate the sufferings of people during the pandemic.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta said he shared the sentiments of the Attorney General. The SG recalled that Justice Bhushan always had a "gentle smile" on his face.
Justice Ashok Bhushan started his career in advocacy by enrolling with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh on 6 April 1979 and started practising in Civil and Original side at Allahabad High Court till the elevation to the Bench. Elevated as permanent Judge of the Allahabad High Court on 24 April 2001 was served as Chairman of the Higher Judicial Service Committee and headed several other committees.
He was appointed as Judge of the High Court of Kerala on 10 July 2014, has taken charge as Acting Chief Justice on 1 August 2014 and as Chief Justice on 26 March 2015.
He was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 13 May 2016. He had presided over several prominent cases during his tenure as judge, including the Ayodhya case. Recently, he passed crucial orders directing states to implement the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme and ensure the supply of dry ration to migrant workers.