In a poignant farewell address, retiring Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol emphasized the need for humility in judging, stating that judges are not infallible gods.
New Delhi: In a deeply moving farewell ceremony at the Supreme Court of India on Saturday, outgoing Justice Sanjay Karol offered a profound reflection on the nature of judicial authority. Departing from the traditional aura of infallibility, Justice Karol candidly stated that judges are not gods and will not always reach the perfect conclusion in every judgment.
Justice Karol emphasized that the essence of judging lies in humility and the ability to look beyond legal technicalities to see the person behind the petition. "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 remarked, highlighting the emotional weight carried by litigants.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that such statements from high-ranking judicial officers are crucial in building public trust. By acknowledging human fallibility, the judiciary moves toward a more transparent and empathetic relationship with the citizenry, shifting the focus from mere legalism to substantive justice.
"The Constitution does not ask us merely to apply the law correctly. It asks us to apply it justly."
Reflecting on his forty-year journey, which included 19 years on the bench, Justice Karol spoke of the 'eloquent silences' in courtrooms. He noted that a judge must learn to listen to what is left unsaid—the prayers and hopes of the people in the spaces between the spoken arguments. He also noted that the height of the judicial bench should not signify mere authority, but rather the weight of responsibility, dignity, and honesty.
Professional Journey and Legacy
Justice Karol's career is marked by significant leadership roles. After being designated a senior advocate in 1999, he was elevated to the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2007. He subsequently served as the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court and the Patna High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court on February 6, 2023.
| Role | Period/Location |
|---|---|
| Advocate General | Himachal Pradesh (1998-2003) |
| High Court Judge | Himachal Pradesh (From 2007) |
| Chief Justice | Tripura & Patna High Courts |
| Supreme Court Judge | From Feb 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did Justice Karol say about the role of a judge?
He stated that a judge's duty is to respect justice and ensure that even the most marginalized person is seen and heard.
2. How did he define 'Dharma' in a legal context?
He defined it not as a ritual, but as the fundamental duty to perform one's role with integrity.
