SCBA chief quits: ‘Can’t do good work without respect’

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Dushyant Dave has resigned from his post with immediate effect following a rift with secretary Gaurav Bhatia on some issues.

In his letter, Mr Dave said: “Friends, I hereby tender my resignation as the president of SCBA with immediate effect. I must place on record my gratitude to all those who put their faith in me and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I must, however, tender my sincere apology for taking this step. I hope and trust you will understand my predicament. I wish the SCBA lots of good luck and assure that as a member I will always be happy to extend my help if needed.”

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Dave said: “I have taken this decision as I it has become impossible to do any work with this executive committee. Several unpleasant things are happening and there is hardcore politics within the committee. I don’t want to work at the cost of my self-respect.”

It is understood that Mr Dave took this step after he was condemned at the executive committee meeting held in the evening.

The rift between Mr Dave and Mr Bhatia came to light when Mr Dave did not attend the farewell function of Justice M.Y. Eqbal on his retirement on February 12.

This had led Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur to comment about Mr Dave’s absence and express the hope that things would be resolved soon.