CJI praises Justice Karol’s patience, courtesy as judge bids SC farewell

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant lauded Justice Sanjay Karol for his patience, courtesy, and willingness to listen during his tenure on the Supreme Court bench. Kant recalled that these qualities enabled Karol to highlight overlooked societal realities through his judgments that impacted numerous lives.

Lawyers who gathered to bid farewell to Karol remembered him as a "saintly judge" who encouraged young members of the Bar and urged advocates to consider matters emotively. The CJI noted that the Bar honored Karol not just for his judgments but for his patience, courtesy, willingness to listen, and the reassurance he brought to the courtroom.

Notably, it was Karol's judgment that recognized homemakers as "nation builders" and assigned them a new head of compensation – "loss of domestic care" for cases involving the death of a homemaker under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The CJI emphasized Karol's deep sensitivity to the human consequences of law and his ability to give legal visibility to overlooked realities, such as the dignity of tribal women and the needs of those living with mental illness.

Karol's judicial career began in 2007 as a judge in the Himachal Pradesh high court, later becoming chief justice of high courts in Tripura and Patna before ascending to the Supreme Court. Karol expressed gratitude to the Bar for their support and urged lawyers to live the Constitution rather than merely citing it. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta called Karol "saintly" and praised his practice of appointing young lawyers as amicus curiae in over 400 cases.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati recalled his court as a refreshing oasis in a desert. The CJI concluded that Karol's most lasting contribution lies in his approach to each responsibility with seriousness towards the law, sensitivity towards people, and an unwavering respect for his judicial office.