Chief Justice of India SA Bobde retired on Friday after serving as a judge for 22 years. As per the norm, CJI Bobde shared a bench with Justice NV Ramana, who will succeed him as the CJI after he takes oath on Saturday.

"After 22 years as a judge, I leave this court with happiness, goodwill and very fond memories of wonderful arguments, excellent presentation, good behaviour, commitment to the cause of justice not only from the Bar but all those connected with it," CJI Bobde said.

"I leave with the satisfaction that I did my best and I hand over the baton to Justice Ramana who I’m sure will very ably lead the court," he said.

Addressing the court, Attorney General KK Venugopal said, "In March 2020, the world began suffering from Covid-19 and the Bar thought that the court will close down. It was then that CJI Bobde rose to the occasion and started virtual hearings because of which over 50,000 cases have been disposed off. It’s a great achievement."

Venugopal said the CJI stepped in to aid the lawyers who were struggling financially during the pandemic. "He allowed for lawyers to meet their clients during the pandemic so that the cases could continue. We should all unanimously applaud CJI for the work he has done," the Attorney General said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said CJI SA Bobde would not only be known as a "erudite and brilliant" judge but also a loving and caring human.