CJI Surya Kant lauds Justice Sanjay Karol's empathy, leadership on farewell

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday praised Justice Sanjay Karol during the latter’s final day in office, highlighting his dedication to the law, compassion for individuals, and steadfast commitment to his role. Kant described Karol as a jurist whose career was defined by “seriousness towards the law, sensitivity towards people and an unshakeable regard for the office he serves.” The ceremony, presided over by Kant, included Justice Karol, Joymalya Bagchi, and V Mohana forming a ceremonial bench. Kant reflected on his long-standing relationship with Karol, beginning as a bar member, progressing to an advocate general, then a colleague in Himachal Pradesh, and ultimately a fellow judge in the Supreme Court. He noted that the emotional depth of Karol’s legacy resonated deeply, emphasizing that the legal community recalls him not only for his judgments but for his patient demeanor, courteous nature, and ability to provide reassurance in the courtroom. Kant remarked that these qualities represented one of the highest honors a judicial officer could receive. Karol’s judicial philosophy was characterized by an acute awareness of societal issues often overlooked by the law. Kant pointed out that Karol consistently recognized the contributions of homemakers, the dignity of tribal women, and the struggles of individuals living with mental illnesses. By acknowledging these realities, Karol elevated their status within the legal framework, ensuring they were treated as integral parts of society. This approach underscored his unique contribution to the judiciary. During his tenure as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court, Karol managed to reduce the backlog of pending cases from over 60,000 to fewer than 27,000 within ten months. His success stemmed from rigorous case management, consistent oversight of the docket, and personal involvement in handling complex matters. At the Patna High Court, Karol faced formidable challenges, leading one of the most burdened high courts in the nation for over three years. This period coincided with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding another layer of complexity to his responsibilities. As Patron-in-Chief of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, Karol played a pivotal role in establishing the State Mental Health Authority. His efforts focused on addressing the needs of marginalized groups, many of whom struggle to access the justice system. Kant emphasized that Karol consistently chose to take initiative, maintaining a balance between judicial rigor and genuine concern for the plight of litigants. In his farewell speech, Karol reviewed his four-decade-long career, starting as an advocate and concluding as a judge for nearly two decades. He discussed the significance of silent moments in courtrooms, asserting that the essence of the judicial process lies beyond the arguments themselves, rather, in understanding the deeper needs of those present. This perspective aligned with his reputation for being both a skilled jurist and a compassionate figure. Legal professionals, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and SCBA President Pradeep Rai, offered tributes to Karol. Mehta noted that Karol, even when delivering unfavorable rulings, would often express regret toward the losing party, demonstrating his empathy. He also highlighted Karol’s practice of involving young lawyers as amici curiae, providing numerous opportunities for emerging legal talent. Rai described Karol as a judge of law and a judge with heart, especially for his role in upholding dignity and instilling confidence in those appearing before the court. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati recalled instances where Karol would inquire about the youngest lawyer in the courtroom, creating platforms for younger advocates to contribute. Advocate Shikhil Suri shared a moment where Karol advised a junior counsel that a brief repre...