Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave Quits Legal Profession - Here’s Why
In a surprising development, senior advocate in Supreme Court of India Dushyant Dave has decided to retire from the legal profession after serving for 48 years upon reaching the age of 70. The veteran lawyer, known for his fearless advocacy and commitment to constitutional principles, reportedly stated that he intends to dedicate his time to societal causes and personal pursuits such as reading and travelling.
His retirement was made public through various legal news platforms including LiveLaw, underscoring his stature as one of the most respected figures in the Supreme Court Bar. Designated as a senior advocate by the Supreme Court in 1998, Dave has been a practising lawyer since 1978, initially working in the Gujarat High Court before rising to prominence in the top court in Delhi and various high courts across the country.
Born into a family of legal luminaries – his father was a judge – Dave’s journey into law was almost predestined. He pursued his legal education and quickly established himself as a formidable advocate in constitutional law, public interest litigation (PIL), and commercial disputes. Over the years, he served as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), a position from which he resigned in 2021 amid internal controversies. As a member of the National Legal Services Authority, he contributed to providing legal aid to the underprivileged, aligning with his broader vision of justice as a tool for social equity.
Dave’s career is studded with high-profile cases that have shaped Indian jurisprudence. He gained national attention for his role in the 2G spectrum scam case, where he argued vehemently against corruption in telecommunications allocations, highlighting systemic flaws in governance. Similarly, in the Vyapam scam – a massive admission and recruitment fraud in Madhya Pradesh – Dave represented petitioners seeking accountability, exposing deep-rooted malpractices in public examinations. His expertise in constitutional matters shone through in the Article 370 hearings, where he presented arguments challenging the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, emphasising the sanctity of federalism and parliamentary procedures.
In public interest litigations, Dave has been a staunch defender of civil liberties. During the Karnataka hijab controversy, he contended before the Supreme Court that wearing the hijab enhances a woman’s dignity, drawing parallels with traditional practices in other faiths and advocating for religious freedom under Article 25 of the Constitution. More recently, he represented Muslim parties in the ongoing Waqf case, presenting complex issues of property rights and minority protections. Dave also appeared in contempt proceedings involving activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, where he defended freedom of expression against judicial overreach.
Beyond courtroom battles, Dave has been an outspoken critic of judicial functioning. He has penned letters to Chief Justices, including DY Chandrachud, flagging irregularities in case listings and reassignments, such as in matters involving Adani Power and Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited. In interviews and writings, he has lamented the judiciary’s perceived weaknesses, once stating that it is “at its weakest in modern Indian history” due to external pressures and internal lapses. His commentary on issues like the Manipur violence and the need for proactive judicial intervention has earned him both admiration and controversy.
Apart from his legal practice, Dave was a member of National Legal Services Authority during 2004 to 2008. He has served on Board of Leading International Arbitration Associations and has been the President of Supreme Court Bar Association for three terms. He regularly defended public causes both inside and outside the Courts and contributes regularly to OpEds in leading newspapers and magazines on national, legal and Constitutional issues.
