Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka Retires from Supreme Court, Leaving a Legacy of Judicial Independence

New Delhi, May 24, 2025 — Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, one of India’s most respected jurists, retired from the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Known for his unwavering commitment to constitutional values, fearless judicial approach, and empathy for the marginalized, Justice Oka’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian jurisprudence. Alongside Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and another colleague, Justice Oka announced he would not accept any post-retirement government assignments, a decision that has sparked discussions within the legal fraternity about judicial independence and integrity.

New Delhi, May 24, 2025 — Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, one of India’s most respected jurists, retired from the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Known for his unwavering commitment to constitutional values, fearless judicial approach, and empathy for the marginalized, Justice Oka’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian jurisprudence. Alongside Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and another colleague, Justice Oka announced he would not accept any post-retirement government assignments, a decision that has sparked discussions within the legal fraternity about judicial independence and integrity.

A Storied Career Rooted in Integrity

Born on May 25, 1960, Justice Oka hails from a family with a strong legal background, as his father, Shreeniwas W. Oka, was a renowned advocate. Initially pursuing a Bachelor’s in Science from Mumbai University with aspirations of becoming an engineer, Oka pivoted to law, enrolling as an advocate in June 1983. He began his legal practice at the Thane District Court under his father’s guidance and later trained under V.P. Tipnis, a former judge of the Bombay High Court. His early career was marked by appearances in high-profile Public Interest Litigations (PILs), showcasing his legal acumen in civil, constitutional, and service matters.

Justice Oka’s judicial journey began in 2003 when he was appointed a judge of the Bombay High Court. His tenure was characterized by bold and principled decisions, including a notable 2013 ruling quashing the suspension of an atheist teacher for not folding hands during a school prayer. In 2019, he was elevated to Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, where he furthered his reputation as a champion of justice. On August 31, 2021, he joined the Supreme Court, where he served as the third senior-most judge until his retirement.

Over his three-year tenure in the Supreme Court, Justice Oka authored approximately 370 judgments and was part of over 1,000 decisions, many of which have left an indelible mark on Indian jurisprudence. His contributions extended beyond the courtroom, notably in the development of the National Law University in Aurangabad.

Landmark Judgments and Contributions

Justice Oka’s judicial philosophy was rooted in upholding constitutional liberties, protecting marginalized communities, and ensuring administrative accountability. Some of his notable judgments include:

Senior Advocate Designation Reform: Justice Oka’s bench critiqued the 100-point assessment mechanism for designating Senior Advocates, established in the 2017 and 2023 Indira Jaising judgments, for failing to meet its objectives. He advocated for inclusivity, ensuring lawyers from trial courts and tribunals could also be designated as Senior Advocates, democratizing the process.
Anil Tuteja v. Union of India: In a case involving the Enforcement Directorate’s interrogation of retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja in an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, Justice Oka’s bench questioned the agency’s practice of overnight questioning, reinforcing procedural fairness and accused rights.
Domestic Violence Case (2016): Demonstrating humility, Justice Oka admitted an error in a 2016 domestic violence case, stating, “Judges are human; they can make mistakes.” This acknowledgment underscored his commitment to transparency and accountability.
Advocates-on-Record Accountability: Justice Oka emphasized that Advocates-on-Record are not mere mouthpieces for their clients and are liable for false statements made in court, reinforcing ethical standards in legal practice.

His rulings consistently championed freedom of expression, environmental law, and the rights of the underprivileged, earning him praise as a “beacon of judicial independence.”

A Poignant Farewell Amid Personal Loss

Justice Oka’s final day on the bench was marked by extraordinary resolve. Despite the personal tragedy of his mother’s passing on May 22, 2025, he attended her last rites in Mumbai and returned to Delhi to deliver 11 judgments on May 23, his last working day. This dedication drew widespread admiration from colleagues and the legal community.

At a farewell event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), Justice Oka delivered an emotional and candid speech. He critiqued the Supreme Court’s “Chief Justice-centric” administration, advocating for a more democratic approach and greater use of technology to address case backlog and listing inefficiencies. “The Supreme Court is one court which can uphold constitutional liberties, the dream of the Constitution framers, and I honestly endeavoured to uphold them,” he said. He emphasized that judges must be firm and, if necessary, “able to offend” to uphold justice, adding, “A judge should not hesitate to offend anyone in upholding the Constitution.”

Reflecting on the court’s challenges, he noted the backlog of over 80,000 pending cases and urged for AI-driven systems to ensure fair case listing. “People question why some cases are listed the very next day while others remain pending for weeks,” he remarked, calling for reduced manual intervention.

Tributes from the Legal Fraternity

The legal community showered Justice Oka with praise for his integrity and contributions. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, a longtime friend, described him as “an exemplary human being” and a “trusted friend,” lauding his work ethic and contributions to legal education. “Both of us have decided not to accept any post-retirement assignments, and therefore, we can think of working together,” CJI Gavai said, hinting at future collaborations outside government roles.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal remarked, “When some judges retire, the vacuum they leave behind can never be filled. I feel the same today. You protected liberty like no one else did in this court.” Senior Advocate Dr. A.M. Singhvi praised the transparency of Justice Oka’s courtroom, stating, “Interactions in Justice Oka’s court were transparent and flowed like water.”

Justice Augustine George Masih called Oka “stern, firm, but always consistent,” highlighting his empathy and conscientiousness. The Attorney General R. Venkatramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also commended his unwavering commitment to liberty, freedom of speech, and environmental protection.

A Legacy of Courage and Compassion

Justice Oka’s decision, alongside CJI Gavai and another judge, to forgo post-retirement government posts has ignited conversations about judicial independence. Voices from the court and the bar have hailed this move as a powerful statement against potential conflicts of interest, reinforcing public trust in the judiciary.

As Justice Oka steps away from the bench, he leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, empathy, and fidelity to constitutional principles. His retirement is not just the conclusion of a remarkable judicial career but a call for the judiciary to evolve—more democratic, transparent, and accountable. As he poignantly stated, “The Supreme Court has not fully met the expectations of the citizens of India,” urging future generations to carry forward the mantle of justice.