CJI praises Justice Karol’s patience, courtesy as judge bids SC farewell

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant lauded Justice Sanjay Karol's dedication, patience, and courteous demeanor during his final days at the Supreme Court. On Saturday, as Justice Karol concluded his tenure, the CJI highlighted the profound impact of the judge's approach to justice, emphasizing how his commitment to listening and understanding the human element of legal proceedings set him apart. Justice Karol began his judicial career in 2007 as a judge in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He later served as chief justice of the Tripura and Patna High Courts before his elevation to the Supreme Court in February 2023. Throughout his career, he was noted for his ability to bring attention to societal issues often overlooked by the law. His judgments frequently addressed the challenges faced by marginalized groups, including homemakers, tribal women, and individuals with mental health conditions. One of Justice Karol's notable contributions was a landmark ruling that recognized homemakers as essential contributors to society. This decision introduced a new category of compensation, “loss of domestic care”, under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. By assigning a notional monthly income of ₹30,000 to homemakers, the judgment acknowledged their vital role and provided financial relief to families affected by the death of a homemaker. During his farewell ceremony, the CJI praised Justice Karol for his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and his ability to connect with both the legal community and the public. He described the judge's courtroom presence as reassuring and emphasized the importance of his capacity to listen and understand the emotional dimensions of legal matters. Lawyers present at the event remembered Justice Karol as a compassionate figure who supported the growth of younger legal professionals. They noted his habit of involving young lawyers as amicus curiae in numerous cases, fostering a culture of mentorship and inclusivity within the bar. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta referred to Justice Karol as a “saintly judge” due to his calm and composed nature, while Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati described the experience of appearing before him as akin to finding a “beautiful, calm oasis” amid the pressures of legal practice. In his remarks, Justice Karol expressed gratitude to the legal fraternity for its support and reaffirmed his dedication to upholding the constitutional values he had sworn to protect. He urged lawyers to embody the spirit of the Constitution rather than merely referencing it in legal arguments. The CJI reflected on Justice Karol's legacy, noting that his true impact lay in the integrity and empathy he brought to his responsibilities. He underscored the judge's consistent focus on the law's role in addressing societal needs and ensuring fairness for all citizens. As Justice Karol steps down from the bench, his contributions continue to resonate within the judiciary and beyond.