Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol retired on Friday, using his farewell address to reflect on constitutional values, the importance of the Bar and the role of every individual in India's democratic system.
Speaking at a farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Justice Karol said that every person working within the government machinery, from the President of India to a Class IV employee, is a stakeholder in Indian democracy.
Highlighting the constitutional significance of everyday public service, Justice Karol remarked:
“The constable standing at the intersection, his lathi and whistle carry the voice of the Constitution.”
Justice Karol also emphasised the enduring importance of the legal profession and the relationship between the Bar and the Bench.
He said that while judges come and go, the Bar remains permanent and forms the foundation of a strong judiciary.
“Judges come, and judges go. Judges come, and judges go. It is the bar only who is there. The stronger the bar, the stronger the bench,” he said.
Addressing younger members of the legal profession, Justice Karol urged them to make the most of opportunities to appear before courts, emphasising that practical learning takes place in the courtroom.
“If you want to become learned, you have to come to the courtroom. Your grooming will happen there.”
He said that while law students may study constitutional provisions such as Articles 14 and 21, it is courtroom experience that teaches lawyers how to apply legal principles to facts and understand the interpretation of law.
Justice Karol also advised young lawyers to maintain courtesy and respect towards both senior and junior members of the Bar.
Reflecting on his judicial career, Justice Karol recalled lessons from his tenure at the Patna High Court, including the need to remain conscious of the responsibilities associated with judicial office.
He referred to the thought of “whether you are sitting on the chair or the chair is sitting on you”, while stressing the importance of listening before reaching a decision.
He also recalled how his understanding of “We the People”, as contained in the Preamble, and the broader constitutional scheme evolved during his years in the judiciary.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, speaking at the farewell, highlighted the manner in which constitutional values shaped Justice Karol's approach to judging.
The CJI said Justice Karol's courtroom was never an intimidating place and was instead treated as a space for dialogue rather than confrontation.
According to the CJI, even when disagreements were sharp, Justice Karol ensured that parties left the courtroom with a sense that they had been properly heard.
CJI Surya Kant also recalled Justice Karol's reluctance to readily use the word “dismissed”, saying that he would instead tell litigants, “I have heard you, thank you.”
The CJI further highlighted Justice Karol's preference for mediation and settlement in family, service and commercial disputes.
CJI Surya Kant also recalled an incident from Justice Karol's tenure at the Himachal Pradesh High Court, when Shimla was facing a drinking-water shortage.
Justice Karol had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and personally visited a water distribution site to ensure that influential persons were not given preferential treatment.
Justice Sanjay Karol was born on August 23, 1961. He studied at St. Edward's School, Shimla, and obtained his Bachelor's Honours degree and law degree from Himachal Pradesh University.
He practised before various courts and tribunals in Delhi and other High Courts and was appointed Advocate General of Himachal Pradesh in 1998, serving in that position until 2003.
He was appointed as a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on March 8, 2007.
Justice Karol was elevated as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court on November 14, 2018, before being transferred to the Patna High Court on November 10, 2019.
He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on February 6, 2023.
After serving on the Supreme Court Bench for over three years, Justice Karol demitted office on August 21, 2026.
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