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CJI Surya Kant Praises Justice Sanjay Karol for Encouraging Young Lawyers at Farewell
In a heartfelt farewell ceremony organized by the Bar Association (SCBA), Chief Justice of India Surya Kant paid rich tribute to Justice Sanjay Karol, who demits office tomorrow, focusing on his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. The event, held in the CJI’s courtroom, brought together members of the Bench and the Bar to honour a judge who, according to the Chief Justice, “reminded us that firmness and kindness are not opposites, but complementary in judging.”
Justice Karol, who has served on the bench since 2020, was praised for creating a courtroom environment that was never intimidating—one that treated every hearing as a space for dialogue rather than confrontation. CJI Kant underscored that Justice Karol consistently went out of his way to encourage young lawyers, often telling senior advocates when their juniors had argued a matter particularly well. “To a young lawyer, such encouraging words from a senior judge can mean far more than any reassurance,” the CJI remarked.
The ceremony marked the end of Justice Karol’s tenure on the apex court, but the Chief Justice suggested that his contribution to the legal world was far from over. Quoting former Attorney General ’s observation that every judge leaving the should satisfy himself that he has left “a little brick of his own making” in the edifice of the court, CJI Kant said Justice Karol had indeed left his own brick through his body of judicial scholarship and his humane approach to dispute resolution.
Background: A Judicial Career Built on Humility and Compassion
Justice Sanjay Karol was elevated to the on . Prior to that, he served as Chief Justice of the and as a judge in the . Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for being approachable and for treating every litigant with dignity. CJI Kant, who has known Justice Karol since their days as young lawyers, recalled a defining incident from Justice Karol’s tenure in Himachal Pradesh: during a severe drinking water shortage in Shimla, Justice Karol took of the situation and personally visited the distribution point to ensure that water was distributed equally to all, regardless of status. “He walked extra miles, went to the spot where the water was being distributed to ensure that there was no favouritism,” the CJI said.
This incident, the CJI noted, exemplified Justice Karol’s deep concern for social justice and his willingness to step beyond traditional judicial boundaries to uphold fairness. It also reflected a quality that permeated his entire judicial approach: a belief that justice is not merely about deciding winners and losers but about finding common ground and healing relationships.
Key Quotes: A Judge Who Listened and Encouraged
CJI Kant’s speech was punctuated with personal anecdotes and observations that painted a vivid picture of Justice Karol’s character. On the judge’s encouragement of young lawyers, the CJI stated: “His concern for the way justice is delivered also extends to the way the legal profession itself grows. He has always been attentive to the growth and nurturing of the young members of the bar.” He noted that Justice Karol often appointed young members as in his court, giving them invaluable opportunities to shape their careers.
The Chief Justice also highlighted Justice Karol’s approach to judicial reasoning, particularly in criminal law and motor accident compensation matters. “His criminal law decisions reflected a balance between the legitimate interests of society and the constitutional promise of fairness to an accused,” CJI Kant said. He added that Justice Karol was “deeply compassionate and acutely aware of social realities,” especially in cases involving compensation for accident victims.
Another notable aspect of Justice Karol’s tenure was his encouragement of and . In family, service, and commercial disputes, he consistently urged parties to talk, settle, and find mutual agreement. “For my brother Justice Karol, justice has never just meant that every dispute must have a winner and a loser,” the CJI observed.
Legal Analysis: The Significance of Judicial Mentorship
The farewell event underscored a broader conversation about the role of the judiciary in nurturing the legal profession. Justice Karol’s efforts to mentor young lawyers resonate deeply at a time when the bar is increasingly diverse and competitive. By recognizing the contributions of junior advocates—often overlooked in a hierarchical system—Justice Karol demonstrated that judicial leadership extends beyond the courtroom.
From a legal perspective, his approach to case management—prioritizing and —reflects a growing recognition within the Indian judiciary that mechanisms are essential to reducing pendency and delivering timely justice. Justice Karol’s decisions in motor accident compensation cases, which CJI Kant highlighted, also show a pragmatic sensitivity to the financial and emotional plight of victims.
Moreover, the incident of during the Shimla water crisis illustrates how judges can use their powers proactively to address systemic failures without overstepping judicial boundaries. Such actions reinforce public trust in the judiciary as a guardian of .
Impact on Legal Practice: A Model for Future Judges
Justice Karol’s legacy will likely influence how judges interact with the bar, especially with younger members. His example sets a precedent for a more inclusive and supportive bench—one that sees advocacy as a collaborative process rather than an adversarial one. For law students and young advocates, his emphasis on mentorship provides a model of professional growth that values skill development over mere seniority.
The SCBA’s decision to hold this farewell early in the tenure of its newly constituted executive committee was symbolic. It demonstrated that the bar values judges who, like Justice Karol, treat the courtroom with respect and empathy. The event also served as a reminder that judicial excellence is not defined solely by legal acumen but also by personal integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to the human dimensions of justice.
Conclusion
As Justice Sanjay Karol retires from the , he leaves behind not only a legacy of well-reasoned judgments but also a lasting imprint on the legal community through his mentorship and humanity. Chief Justice Surya Kant’s tribute was not merely a farewell—it was a call to the entire judiciary to emulate Justice Karol’s blend of firmness and kindness. In the words of the CJI, “He has reminded us that firmness and kindness are not opposites, but complementary in judging.” For the legal profession, that reminder may be Justice Karol’s most enduring brick.
