Retiring Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol urges humility and humanity in judging

During his final address at the Supreme Court, Justice Sanjay Karol emphasized that judges are human and will not always render perfect decisions, urging his peers to consider the individual behind each petition. He argued that the Constitution demands just application of law, requiring humility and attention to what parties have already lost or hope to gain. Karol reflected on a four-decade legal career that began as an advocate, included 19 years on the bench, and spanned roles as chief justice of the Tripura and Patna high courts before his 2023 elevation.

He praised the courtroom as a space for listening to both arguments and “eloquent silences,” and warned that many citizens never reach the courts because justice feels distant. Concluding, he said the duty of a judge extends beyond robes, and that living the Constitution is a collective responsibility. The farewell was marked by tributes from Chief Justice Surya Kant, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Supreme Court Bar Association president Pradeep Rai.