Judges are not gods, won’t get every judgment right: Justice Karol

Retiring Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol said in his farewell address that judges are not gods and will not get every judgment right, stressing the need for humility and the importance of seeing the person behind every litigant. The ceremonial bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, paid tribute to Justice Karol on his last working day, with lawyers remembering him as a 'saintly judge' who encouraged young advocates.

Chief Justice Surya Kant praised Justice Karol for his patience, courtesy, and willingness to listen, noting that his judgments gave legal visibility to overlooked realities, such as recognising homemakers as 'nation builders' and directing compensation for loss of domestic care. Justice Karol reflected on his nearly four-decade legal career, saying the courtroom was a vehicle for something greater than himself, and emphasised that the true meaning of constitutionalism lies in 'dharma' as duty.

Justice Karol urged lawyers to 'live the Constitution, don't cite it' and said the Supreme Court's importance lies in giving ordinary citizens the belief that someone will listen. He also acknowledged those who cannot access justice because it is too distant or expensive. The judge concluded with gratitude for having served the Constitution and the people.