Judges are not gods, won't get every judgment right: Outgoing SC Judge Sanjay Karol

Outgoing Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol delivered a farewell address on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in which he emphasized that judges are not infallible and that the pursuit of justice goes beyond mere legal correctness. Speaking during his final day in office, Karol stated, “Judges are not gods and they will not get every judgment right.” His remarks came as the Supreme Court held an emotional farewell ceremony for the retired judge, attended by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, senior legal figures, and representatives of the bar community. Karol’s address underscored the human element of the judiciary, highlighting the need for humility and empathy in interpreting the law. He noted that while petitions provide factual information, they often fail to convey the deeper struggles and hopes of individuals seeking justice. “A petition can only tell you the facts of a case, but it cannot tell you what the person has already lost or what he is hoping to seek from the courts,” he said. This perspective reflects a broader philosophy that the role of a judge extends beyond legal technicalities to encompass moral and ethical considerations. Elevated to the Supreme Court on February 6, 2023, Karol served as a judge for nearly two years before stepping down. On his last working day, he presided over a ceremonial bench alongside Chief Justice Surya Kant and fellow justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. The farewell ceremony marked the end of a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in the legal field. Karol began his professional journey as an advocate and later transitioned into judicial service, spending the past 19 years on the bench. In reflecting on his career, Karol described the courtroom as more than just a workplace, it was a space for something greater than personal ambition. “This courtroom has not left me; it has supported me,” he remarked, acknowledging the collective effort of colleagues and institutions that shaped his journey. He also highlighted the importance of listening beyond formal arguments, noting that “eloquent silences” in courtrooms carry their own weight. These moments, he argued, reveal unspoken fears, desires, and the silent prayers of those present. Karol’s reflections extended to the symbolic nature of the Supreme Court itself. Recalling his first visit to courtroom No. 1 in 1996, he observed how the physical elevation of the bench could symbolize both authority and responsibility. “From below, the height of the bench can appear to signify authority. From the comfort zone, it signifies something quite different, and that is responsibility with dignity and honesty,” he explained. This metaphor underscores the delicate balance between power and accountability that defines judicial work. The significance of the Supreme Court, according to Karol, lies in the trust placed in it by ordinary citizens. “The true significance of the Supreme Court lies in the faith of an ordinary citizen who enters its doors believing that someone would listen,” he said. However, he also acknowledged the challenges faced by many who cannot access justice due to economic, social, or psychological barriers. “We must also remember those who never reach those doors because justice is too distant, too expensive, too intimidating,” he added. Karol further linked the principles of constitutionalism and justice to the concept of “dharma,” emphasizing duty rather than ritual. “The duty of a judge is to respect justice and see that the person standing before the court, however small, however wretched, is seen and heard,” he asserted. Addressing the legal community, he urged individuals to uphold the values of fairness and integrity in all aspects of life, even outside the courtroom. “There may be no courtrooms, no robes, no technical grounds, but in these small choices, each of us dispenses the measure of justice that we take,” he concluded. A judge, he said, remains a judge whether adorned in robes or not.