"As a judge you decide cases which go by your conscience," Justice U U Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, told Asianet News in an exclusive interview

CJI Lalit, set to retire on November 8, was speaking as he sat on the apex court's ceremonial bench for the final time this afternoon with Justice Bela M Trivedi and designated successor, Justice D Y Chandrachud. 

CJI Lalit was designated as a senior advocate by the top court in April 2004. He was enrolled as as an advocate in June, 1983. He has been a member of the Supreme Court of India Legal Services Committee for two terms.

The collegium was to consider the four names for elevation to the Supreme Court on September 30. However, the group of judges couldn't meet as Justice Chandrachud was presiding over his court till late evening on the day due to a heavy caseload.

"I have difficulties. As a lawyer I had represented one of the parties. I will pass an order for it to be listed before a Bench without me," Justice Lalit said.