In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through India’s legal community, Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave has announced his decision to quit the legal profession after an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades. The announcement comes as Dave turns 70, marking the end of an era for one of the country’s most vocal and principled legal minds. Dave stated that he intends to dedicate his time to societal contributions and personal
While no official statement from Dave or his associates has been released yet, sources close to the advocate confirmed the details, emphasizing his desire to step away from the demanding world of litigation to focus on broader societal impact.
A Storied Career in Law
Dushyant Dave’s journey in the legal field began in 1978 when he enrolled as an advocate in Gujarat. Born on October 27, 1954, Dave hails from a family with deep roots in the legal profession—his father, Justice Arvind Dave, was a judge in the Gujarat High Court. After practicing in the Gujarat High Court for several years, Dave relocated to Delhi in the mid-1980s, where he quickly rose to prominence in the Supreme Court.
Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court in 1998, Dave became known for his expertise in constitutional law, public interest litigation, and commercial arbitration. Over the years, he has argued in numerous high-profile cases that have shaped India’s legal landscape. Notable among them are his representations in matters involving fundamental rights, environmental issues, and corporate disputes. Dave has been a staunch defender of civil liberties, often taking on pro bono cases for marginalized communities and activists.
His tenure as President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) was particularly eventful. Elected in December 2019, Dave served until his resignation in January 2021, citing differences with the association’s executive committee and a commitment to upholding the Bar’s independence. This was not his first resignation from the post; he had previously stepped down in 2016 amid similar internal conflicts. During his leadership, Dave was instrumental in advocating for better facilities for lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic and pushing for reforms in judicial appointments and accountability.
Dave’s career has not been without controversy. He has been an outspoken critic of the judiciary’s functioning, often writing open letters to Chief Justices of India (CJIs) highlighting issues such as case listing irregularities, perceived biases in judicial assignments, and the erosion of judicial independence. In 2020, he famously wrote to then-CJI S.A. Bobde expressing concerns over the virtual muting of his microphone during a farewell event for a retiring judge, which he interpreted as a suppression of dissent. More recently, in interviews and public forums, Dave has voiced alarm over the state of democracy in India, including concerns about minority rights and executive overreach. In a 2024 interview with journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire, he remarked, “I have sleepless nights thinking about it… I am worried about my country.”
His forthrightness has earned him both admirers and detractors. Supporters hail him as a fearless guardian of constitutional values, while critics have accused him of being overly confrontational. Despite this, Dave’s contributions to legal discourse are undeniable, with many crediting him for fostering greater transparency and ethical standards within the Bar.
Reasons for Retirement and Future Plans
According to the announcement, Dave’s decision to retire is tied to his milestone birthday at age 70. In his statement, he expressed a desire to shift gears after 48 years of active practice. “I have decided to quit the legal profession upon turning 70,” Dave reportedly said. “I will use my time to help society and to pursue my passions of reading and traveling.”
This move aligns with Dave’s long-standing commitment to public service beyond the courtroom. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various charitable and educational initiatives, including mentoring young lawyers and supporting legal aid programs. Insiders suggest that his post-retirement life may involve writing a memoir, engaging in public lectures on constitutional matters, or even contributing to non-governmental organizations focused on human rights and judicial reforms.
Dave’s passion for reading is well-known among his peers; he is an avid consumer of literature on history, philosophy, and law. Traveling, too, has been a lifelong interest, with Dave often drawing inspiration from global legal systems during his international arbitration work. He has served on governing boards of prestigious bodies like the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), reflecting his global outlook.
