Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave Retires from Legal Practice After 48 Years of Service

Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, one of India’s most respected legal minds, has formally announced his retirement from the legal profession after 48 years of service at the Bar. The 70-year-old made the announcement via a WhatsApp message on Sunday, stating, “After having spent 48 glorious years at the Bar and having just celebrated my 70th wonderful birthday, I have decided to quit the profession of law.” The decision took many by surprise, given Dave’s long-standing and influential role in the Indian legal system.

Dave began his career in Gujarat in 1978, starting modestly with a salary of ₹250 a month and sharing accommodation with a High Court peon. In the mid-1980s, he moved to Delhi, where he eventually rose to become one of the most sought-after lawyers in the Supreme Court. In 1998, the Supreme Court designated him a senior advocate. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dave served three times as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. His father, Justice Arvind Dave, was a judge at the Gujarat High Court.

Speaking about his decision, Dave said he believed it was better to exit the profession at his peak rather than continue until a point where physical or mental limitations might affect his performance. “I didn’t want to enter the court at 75 or 80 with my hearing impaired and my eyes not very strong and my legs weak,” he remarked. He expressed deep satisfaction with his legal journey and felt that he had contributed significantly to the field. “After some time, you do feel that you have done enough,” he noted.

Dave emphasized that his decision was not driven by any particular milestone or target. Though his family had suggested he wait until he completed 50 years at the Bar, Dave chose to retire now, stating that he was not concerned with hitting symbolic numbers.

He reflected on his deep passion for helping others, having worked on nearly 500 cases pro bono over his career. “I helped all kinds of people,” he said, adding that he now sees a capable younger generation of lawyers ready to take on the responsibility of fighting for justice.

With retirement from practice, Dave plans to pursue several personal interests. These include helping rural communities with issues like housing, agriculture, and education. He is also passionate about reading, music, golf, traveling, and spending time with his family, which includes four grandchildren. He expressed a desire to continue writing opinion pieces, teach in law colleges, or possibly author a book.

However, Dave was firm in his declaration that he would not return to legal practice in any form. “I will neither be appearing nor doing advisory work nor arbitrations,” he clarified. This retirement marks the end of a distinguished and impactful career that left a significant imprint on Indian law and society. His departure also opens up space for new voices in the legal field while reminding many of the importance of leaving with grace and dignity.