CJI Surya Kant Bids Farewell to Justice Sanjay Karol

• Chief Justice of India Surya Kant bid farewell to Justice Sanjay Karol at a Supreme Court Bar Association event.
• Justice Karol prioritized dialogue over confrontation and emphasized mediation and settlement in various types of cases.
• He championed young lawyers, often commending their efforts when appearing before him.
• Justice Karol's judicial record includes significant contributions to criminal law judgments and motor accident compensation claims.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant bid farewell to Justice Sanjay Karol at a Supreme Court Bar Association event, recalling his colleague's legacy as a judge who prioritized dialogue over confrontation. CJI Kant highlighted Justice Karol's approach to judging, where he would often tell litigants that they had been heard fully before deciding their case, rather than using the word 'dismissed'. This emphasis on fairness and compassion was evident in Justice Karol's push for mediation and settlement across various types of cases.

CJI Kant also spoke about his own association with Justice Karol, dating back nearly four decades to when they were both young lawyers. He recalled their parallel careers as advocates general for their states and later as judges on the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Tripura High Court. CJI Kant praised Justice Karol's commitment to doing justice for the oppressed and deserving, even in the face of technicalities.

The farewell event also served as an opportunity for CJI Kant to acknowledge Justice Karol's regard for younger lawyers, many of whom appeared before him as amicus curiae. He noted that Justice Karol would often commend senior advocates when their juniors had argued a matter well.

Justice Sanjay Karol is set to demit office as a judge of the Supreme Court of India tomorrow, marking the end of his tenure on the bench. During his time on the court, Justice Karol was known for his emphasis on mediation and settlement in family, service, and commercial matters. He also championed young lawyers, often commending their efforts when appearing before him.

CJI Kant's farewell address highlighted Justice Karol's judicial record, which includes significant contributions to criminal law judgments that balance societal interests with individual rights. His work on motor accident compensation claims demonstrates a deep understanding of social realities and compassion for those affected.

One notable episode from Justice Karol's past was his suo motu notice during a drinking water shortage in Shimla, where he personally intervened to ensure equal distribution of the scarce resource.

Justice Sanjay Karol's legacy as a judge who prioritized fairness and compassion has set a precedent for future disputes. His emphasis on mediation and settlement may influence how lawyers advise their clients in similar cases. CJI Kant's farewell address serves as a tribute to Justice Karol's commitment to doing justice, even in the face of technicalities.

The event also underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of judges like Justice Karol who have made a lasting impact on the judiciary. As lawyers and compliance officers, it is essential to be aware of this precedent and prepare clients accordingly.

In the words of former Attorney General Fali S. Nariman, every judge leaving the Supreme Court should feel that they have left 'a little brick of their own making' in the institution.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that Justice Sanjay Karol's emphasis on mediation and settlement in family, service, and commercial matters may set a precedent for future disputes, and they should be prepared to advise clients accordingly.

Source: Original reporting via LawBeat